Border Pennine Alps

Down to low altitudes snow will fall in some regions. The more recent wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.

Down to low altitudes snow will fall in some regions. The more recent wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.

Some snow will fall in some regions. In particular on steep slopes slab avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and wind, especially on wind-loaded slopes at intermediate and high altitudes. The avalanche-prone wind slabs of the last few days will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. In particular on very steep shady slopes the avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack and reach large size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Remotely triggered and natural avalanches are possible. Dry loose snow avalanches and slab avalanches are possible already in the early morning.

10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Sunday above approximately 1200 m. Intermediate and high altitudes: Large-grained weak layers exist in the snowpack on steep shady slopes. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. Stability tests and snow profiles show the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack on steep shady slopes. In some places new snow is lying on surface hoar. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger.

The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain. The avalanche danger should be investigated very thoroughly in the relevant locality. Sunday: Down to low altitudes snow will fall until late morning. During the day: In particular along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland moderate westerly wind. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase in the afternoon.