Border Pennine Alps

New snow and wind slabs: Slab avalanches are the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs: Slab avalanches are the main danger.

The southeasterly wind has transported the new snow. In particular in the vicinity of peaks and in gullies and bowls small and medium-sized slab avalanches are possible. Additionally in some places avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack and reach quite a large size. Avalanches can be released, even by a single winter sport participant or triggered naturally. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. The wind slabs are to be avoided in particular in steep terrain. Careful route selection and spacing between individuals are recommended.

Monday: Down to low altitudes snow will fall in some regions. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In particular in the vicinity of peaks hardly any snow is lying. Adjacent to ridgelines on north, northeast and east facing slopes hard wind slabs formed. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The wind slabs of last week are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.

The avalanche danger will persist.