Venediger Group South

The backcountry touring conditions are precarious.

The backcountry touring conditions are precarious.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from northwesterly directions, extensive wind slabs will form. Avalanche prone locations are to be found on wind-loaded slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. At the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain individual medium-sized to large natural avalanches are possible, especially in case of releases originating from very steep high-altitude and leeward starting zones. Gliding avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases. This applies in particular in all aspects below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. On extremely steep slopes small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of the rain.

Over a wide area 40 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until the evening. Up to intermediate altitudes rain will fall. High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The northwesterly wind will transport the new snow significantly. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Low and intermediate altitudes: The rain will give rise to a loss of strength within the snowpack.

As the snowfall eases there will be a decrease in the danger of dry avalanches within the current danger level. 5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The wind will be strong in some cases.