Dolomites of Fiemme North

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant. This applies especially on steep shady slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line. As a consequence of the occasionally strong wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form. These are in some cases prone to triggering. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack. Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.

Moderate avalanche danger will prevail.