Border Graie Alps

Wind-loaded slopes where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are precarious.

Wind-loaded slopes where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are precarious.

The more recent wind slabs are quite large and in some cases prone to triggering. In particular on steep shady slopes the avalanches can be triggered in the old snow and reach large size in isolated cases. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. As a consequence of falling temperatures, the natural activity of moist and wet avalanches will appreciably decrease. Off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and caution. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack.

In the last few days easily released wind slabs formed at intermediate and high altitudes. The new snow of last week has bonded in particular on sunny slopes. Large-grained weak layers exist in the old snowpack on shady slopes.

As a consequence of low temperatures and the occasionally strong wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form during the next few days.