Ampezzo Dolomites

The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily or naturally above approximately 2500 m.

The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily or naturally above approximately 2500 m.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from southeasterly directions, extensive wind slabs formed above approximately 2500 m. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily especially on steep shady slopes. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. With the end of the intense precipitation, the natural activity of wet avalanches will decrease. Wet avalanches can as before be released by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects below approximately 2500 m. On very steep shady slopes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Avalanches can release the saturated snowpack and reach large size. In high Alpine regions medium-sized moist loose snow avalanches are to be expected. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies in particular on extremely steep sunny slopes.

The rain gave rise to a loss of strength within the snowpack below approximately 2800 m. Already many wet avalanches have been released in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes. The snowpack will be wet all the way through. This applies on shady slopes below approximately 2500 m. On steep sunny slopes as well as at low and intermediate altitudes only a little snow is now lying. High Alpine regions: 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from southeasterly directions, extensive wind slabs formed. These are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes.

The surface of the snowpack will cool hardly at all during the overcast night and will already be soft in the early morning. Wet snow requires caution.