Border Graie Alps

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of the sometimes strong wind the wind slabs have increased in size additionally, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In starting zones where no previous releases have taken place and on wind-loaded slopes medium-sized and large avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and wind. The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. Caution is to be exercised in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. Isolated very large dry avalanches are possible here. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for defensive route selection.

Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Monday. The sometimes strong wind has transported some snow. Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Tuesday. This situation gave rise to unfavourable bonding of the snowpack over a wide area. The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering. This applies especially at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. In isolated cases new snow and wind slabs are lying on surface hoar, in particular on shady slopes. Large-grained weak layers exist in the snowpack on shady slopes.