North and center of Aran

New snow and wind slabs: Outside marked and open pistes a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.

New snow and wind slabs: Outside marked and open pistes a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.

The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily or naturally in all aspects and generally above the tree line. In many cases the avalanches are medium-sized and very easily released. Shady slopes where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are especially unfavourable. In addition the sometimes deep wind slabs adjacent to ridgelines on north, east and south facing slopes are prone to triggering in many locations. Above approximately 2200 m the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. Off-piste activities call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and restraint. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility.

The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack especially on little used shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. Released avalanches and weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack indicate this situation. Up to 25 cm of snow has fallen since Sunday above approximately 1800 m. The southwesterly wind has transported the new snow. Up to 5 cm of snow will fall until the evening. In the next few hours the wind will be lighter than expected. Above the tree line there are 30 to 80 cm of snow, and even more in some localities. At high altitude snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. At low and intermediate altitudes thus far only a little snow is lying.

Wednesday: The danger of dry slab avalanches will not decrease for the time being.