Pollein and Saint-Marcel

In some localities increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the new snow. The fresh and older wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

In some localities increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the new snow. The fresh and older wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Small and medium-sized dry avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. The fresh snow and the wind slabs can be released naturally in particular on very steep northeast, east and southeast facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Additionally in some places dry avalanches can also be released in near-ground layers. Weak layers exist in the old snowpack especially in places that are protected from the wind. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign. At transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example and on steep shady slopes the avalanche danger is higher. Here the likelihood of avalanches is higher. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for careful route selection.

20 to 40 cm of snow fell in the last two days. Over a wide area 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Thursday above approximately 1200 m. The new snow is very loosely bonded in all aspects in all altitude zones. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. Reports filed by observers and snow profiles confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in particular in shady places that are protected from the wind. Weak layers exist in the snowpack. Snow depths vary greatly above approximately 2000 m, depending on the infuence of the wind.

With the end of the snowfall, the avalanche activity will gradually decrease.