North and center of Aran

Wind slabs above the tree line.

Wind slabs above the tree line.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from northwesterly directions, small wind slabs formed during the course of the night in particular adjacent to ridgelines on east, south and west facing slopes. They are lying on a crust at high altitude. Avalanches are only small but can be released easily by a single winter sport participant. In addition the danger of moist snow slides will increase as the day progresses. 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.

Up to 5 cm of snow, and up to 10 cm in some localities, fell in the past few hours above approximately 1800 m. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. In all regions less snow than usual is lying. On shady slopes at low altitude no snow is lying. At intermediate and high altitudes there are 30 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities. On steep sunny slopes in all altitude zones only a little snow is lying.

Tuesday: Slight increase in danger of moist avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. As a consequence of mild temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise.