Border Graie Alps

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.

As a consequence of a strong wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed in the last few days. They can be released easily in particular on north to northeast to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m, especially at their margins. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. As a consequence of warming during the day individual medium-sized avalanches are possible below approximately 2500 m. This applies in particular in case of releases originating from very steep, sunny starting zones that have retained the snow thus far.

The strong wind has transported some snow. In particular at elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack on steep shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2500 m.