Border Pennine Alps

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. Numerous moist and wet avalanches are possible as the snowfall level rises.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. Numerous moist and wet avalanches are possible as the snowfall level rises.

Medium-sized and large natural avalanches are likely, in particular in case of releases originating from steep starting zones above approximately 2500 m. In the typical avalanche paths in particular in the regions with a lot of snow they can reach a very long way. In their paths avalanches can entrain the wet snow. In particular below approximately 2400 m: As a consequence of the rain moist and wet avalanches are possible at any time, in particular medium-sized ones. In the last few days sometimes large wind slabs formed at high altitude. Even single backcountry tourers can release avalanches. In some places avalanches can also penetrate down to the ground and reach large size in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The current avalanche situation calls for great 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 avalanche activity will gradually decrease.