Border Graie Alps

New snow and wind slabs in high Alpine regions.

New snow and wind slabs in high Alpine regions.

In particular on very steep sunny slopes and in steep rocky terrain numerous medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry and moist avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. The fresh snow of the last few days as well as the wind slabs formed by the sometimes moderate wind can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases below approximately 2300 m. The soft wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and on wind-loaded slopes. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day after a long period of poor weather. Along the border with France On very steep shady slopes and above approximately 2500 m the avalanche danger is considerable (level 3).

In some cases the wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with the old snowpack. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. At low altitude only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

During the clear night the natural avalanche activity will gradually decrease.