Pollein and Saint-Marcel

The wind slabs represent the main danger.

The wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, sometimes deep wind slabs formed in the last two days. The near-surface layers of the snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants on wind-loaded slopes. Avalanches can and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line. At intermediate and high altitudes these avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. On extremely steep slopes more dry loose snow avalanches are possible as the day progresses.

20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last few days above approximately 2100 m. Thus far the wind has been strong in some localities. In particular at elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly at elevated altitudes, depending on the infuence of the wind. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. In its middle, the snowpack is fairly homogeneous. In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack.

The avalanche danger will decrease gradually.