Graie Alps

Significant increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.

Significant increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.

The fresh snow and very particularly the sometimes deep wind slabs can be released easily, or, in isolated cases naturally above the tree line, especially on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. Dry avalanches can be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. This also applies in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. Backcountry touring calls for experience and restraint.

Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. In some places new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. In high Alpine regions snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In all altitude zones from a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.