Graie Alps

The new snow and wind slabs of yesterday represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs of yesterday represent the main danger.

As a consequence of snowfall and the occasionally strong easterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh snow and in particular the mostly small wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. Some medium-sized natural avalanches are possible. This applies in particular on very steep sunny slopes, as well as in steep rocky terrain. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Watch out for the numerous rocks hidden by the recent snow.

10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since yesterday. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust, in particular on sunny slopes below approximately 2500 m, and at low altitude. Melt-freeze crusts exist in the old snowpack in particular at elevated altitudes. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.