North and center of Aran

New snow and wind slabs require caution. The conditions are critical for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities in steep terrain.

New snow and wind slabs require caution. The conditions are critical for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities in steep terrain.

The fresh snow and in particular the many large wind slabs can be released easily or naturally. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind dry slab avalanches are possible from the early morning, but they can be dangerously large. The fresh wind slabs have formed especially at the southern and eastern borders of Aran as well as in the high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep east to south to west facing slopes above approximately 2000 m and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. On steep slopes medium-sized dry avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of the new snow. This snow can be released very easily in all aspects and generally below the tree line. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.

30 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday above approximately 2000 m. Up to 10 cm of snow will fall until the evening in all altitude zones. The northerly wind has transported the new snow significantly. This snow as well as the wind slabs are lying on the favourable surface of an old snowpack in all aspects.

Gradual decrease in danger of dry avalanches as the snowfall eases.