Border Graie Alps

In the regions exposed to the foehn wind northwest storm: Wind slabs require caution.

In the regions exposed to the foehn wind northwest storm: Wind slabs require caution.

The northwesterly wind has transported the fresh and old snow. As a consequence of low temperatures, and the foehn wind, the snowpack can not consolidate. In the last two days sometimes large wind slabs formed especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases or triggered naturally, caution is to be exercised in particular on wind-loaded slopes, and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Backcountry touring calls for caution and restraint.

Especially along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell yesterday. The foehn wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. As a consequence of low temperatures and the moderate to strong northwesterly wind, the snowpack can not consolidate. The weather conditions will give rise to unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in particular at intermediate and high altitudes. In particular adjacent to ridgelines at high altitude snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.