Border Graie Alps

Wind slabs require caution. Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint.

Wind slabs require caution. Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint.

As a consequence of a strong northwesterly wind, dangerous wind slabs formed above approximately 2000 m. The wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on steep northeast, east and southeast facing slopes. The wind slabs are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The natural avalanche activity will gradually decrease. Individual medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large natural avalanches are, however, not ruled out. They can occur in particular in starting zones where previous releases have taken place. Small and medium-sized avalanches are possible also at the base of rock walls. Above the tree line and at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain the avalanche situation is dangerous. Experience and restraint are required.

As a consequence of the strong northwesterly wind, the snow drift accumulations have increased in size. As a consequence of highly fluctuating temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface. Weak layers exist in the old snowpack. A lot of snow is lying at intermediate and high altitudes.