Border Graie Alps

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

Adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls avalanche prone wind slabs formed. Some large natural avalanches are possible. The new snow and wind slabs of the last two days can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects and generally above the tree line. As a consequence of the strong westerly wind the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent as the day progresses. The current avalanche situation calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.

Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind, large wind slabs formed in the last two days in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain as well as at intermediate and high altitudes. In addition further wind slabs will form as the day progresses. The new snow is lying on a crust on sunny slopes. This snow is lying on soft layers on shady slopes and at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. In its middle, the snowpack is largely stable.