Border Pennine Alps

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The sometimes moderate wind has transported the new snow. The large wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. This applies especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain in particular at intermediate and high altitudes. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size. As a consequence of solar radiation, the natural avalanche activity will gradually increase. This applies in particular on sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m, and in steep rocky terrain. The current avalanche situation calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and caution. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.

10 to 25 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The new snow and wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack above the tree line. Faceted weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes.