Ortler Range

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow, even by small loads in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line. They are rather rare but are difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. In very isolated cases avalanches are large. In addition the sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs should be taken into account. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.

In its middle, the snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on shady slopes. The weather conditions will facilitate a substantial stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations in particular on east, south and west facing slopes.

The old snowpack remains in some cases prone to triggering, especially on shady slopes. As a consequence of rising temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.