Border Graie Alps

Fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. In particular at the border to France the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.

Fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. In particular at the border to France the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong northwesterly wind, wind slabs formed in the last six days in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Sometimes the avalanches are medium-sized but can be released even by a single winter sport participant. This applies especially on steep north, east and southeast facing slopes. In particular at the border to France the avalanche prone locations are more widespread. Adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and on extremely steep slopes dry slab avalanches are possible, even medium-sized ones.

Over a wide area various wind slab layers are lying on the smooth surface of an old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at intermediate and high altitudes. Over a wide area snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.