Ampezzo Dolomites

New snow in the afternoon. The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow in the afternoon. The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

Above approximately 1500 m snow will fall on Friday. In some regions up to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes moderate wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep slopes above approximately 2000 m, and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The wind slabs are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. With the onset of the snowfall, the activity of small and medium loose snow avalanches will gradually increase. The sleet will give rise to increasing and thorough wetting of the old snowpack in some cases below approximately 1800 m. These conditions will bring about a slight weakening of the old snowpack in the regions exposed to precipitation. Avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach medium size in isolated cases. This applies in particular in case of a large load. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and a certain restraint.

As a consequence of snowfall and the wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on a crust in all aspects above the tree line. They can in some cases be released easily especially at their margins. Individual weak layers exist in the old snowpack on steep shady slopes. In all regions only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.