Border Graie Alps

The wind slabs represent the main danger. In addition there is a danger of moist and wet avalanches.

The wind slabs represent the main danger. In addition there is a danger of moist and wet avalanches.

As a consequence of a strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. They can be released even by a single winter sport participant in particular on north to northeast to east facing aspects above approximately 2500 m. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. These are to be avoided in particular in very steep terrain. As a consequence of warming during the day more small and medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible below approximately 2700 m. This applies in particular in case of releases originating from very steep, sunny starting zones that have retained the snow thus far. Along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.

In particular at elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack on steep shady slopes. On very steep sunny slopes several medium-sized to large avalanches were observed. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2700 m.