Ampezzo Dolomites

As the penetration by moisture increases natural avalanches are possible at any time, even large ones. Fresh wind slabs in the high Alpine regions.

As the penetration by moisture increases natural avalanches are possible at any time, even large ones. Fresh wind slabs in the high Alpine regions.

Especially on very steep west, north and east facing slopes medium-sized and large natural avalanches are to be expected as the penetration by moisture increases. This applies in particular in case of releases originating from very steep high-altitude starting zones that still retain some snow. In some cases, the avalanches can reach areas without any snow cover in steep gullies. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from southerly directions, wind slabs will form above approximately 2600 m. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily or naturally in particular on very steep shady slopes. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The conditions are unfavourable for backcountry touring.

Up to 2200 m and above rain will fall. The weather conditions will give rise to extreme and thorough wetting of the snowpack in all aspects below approximately 2600 m. This situation will give rise to a loss of strength within the snowpack especially on west, north and east facing slopes. High Alpine regions: 25 to 50 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from southeasterly directions, further wind slabs will form. These are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes.

With the end of the intense precipitation, the natural activity of wet avalanches will decrease. As the temperature drops there will be a decrease in the danger of wet avalanches within the current danger level. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily or naturally in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m.