Sole, Pejo and Rabbi

Weak layers deep in the old snowpack represent the main danger. As the day progresses, a few gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible.

Weak layers deep in the old snowpack represent the main danger. As the day progresses, a few gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible.

Winter sport participants can release avalanches in isolated cases, with a large load in most cases. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, in isolated cases also on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation gliding avalanches and wet snow slides are possible as the day progresses, but they can reach medium size in isolated cases, especially on very steep sunny slopes.

Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at elevated altitudes. The somewhat older wind slabs of the last few days are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above the tree line. This also applies in isolated cases on south facing slopes in high Alpine regions. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snowpack. Steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust will form on the surface. Low and intermediate altitudes: The old snowpack is moist and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a crust that is strong in many cases. This applies in particular on shady slopes.

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.