Border Pennine Alps

Wind slabs and wet snow represent the main danger. The danger of moist and wet avalanches is close to the boundary with danger level 4 (high).

Wind slabs and wet snow represent the main danger. The danger of moist and wet avalanches is close to the boundary with danger level 4 (high).

In the last few days sometimes large wind slabs formed in all aspects. Even single backcountry tourers can release avalanches. In some places avalanches can also penetrate down to the ground and reach large size in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of moist and wet avalanches being released will increase gradually. In the event of rain this applies in particular. The current avalanche situation calls for careful route selection.

As a consequence of sharply rising temperatures and rain up to high altitudes the snowpack can not consolidate. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on northwest to east to south facing aspects. Snow depths vary greatly at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions, depending on the infuence of the wind. Below the tree line only a little snow is lying.

As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of moist snow slides and avalanches being released will increase further. Up to intermediate altitudes rain will fall.