Border Graie Alps

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger, especially at high altitude and in the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high).

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger, especially at high altitude and in the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high).

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from westerly directions, sometimes deep wind slabs formed above the tree line. These can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, in particular on north to east to south facing aspects. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In some places avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack and reach quite a large size. In particular at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of moist and wet avalanches being released will increase gradually, in the regions exposed to rain in particular. The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint.

The sleet gave rise to rapid settling of the snowpack below approximately 2300 m. As a consequence of sleet the strong westerly wind, the snowpack could not consolidate during the last few days. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on northwest to east to south facing aspects. Snow depths vary greatly at intermediate altitudes, depending on the infuence of the wind. Below the tree line only a little snow is lying.

Once the precipitation has ended, the natural avalanche activity will gradually decrease.