Border Graie Alps

The fresh and older wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence above the tree line.

The fresh and older wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence above the tree line.

Wind slabs represent the main danger. In particular on steep slopes and on wind-loaded slopes slab avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and wind. Caution is to be exercised in particular on wind-loaded slopes, and on steep slopes above the tree line. The sometimes deep wind slabs are to be avoided as far as possible. These can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The avalanches can be released in the new snow and wind slab layers and reach large size in isolated cases.

At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In particular above approximately 2200 m the wind slabs have increased in size in the last few days. They are lying on a crust in particular on east to south to southwest facing aspects and at low altitude. Intermediate and high altitudes: Towards its surface, the snowpack is soft; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. Individual weak layers exist in the snowpack on steep shady slopes. Down to 700 m snow will fall on Friday. The wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. The easterly wind will transport the loosely bonded old snow, in the regions exposed to a lot of wind especially on shady slopes.

The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain. The avalanche danger should be investigated very thoroughly in the relevant locality.