Northern Lagorai

New snow and wind slabs require caution.

New snow and wind slabs require caution.

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Mostly the avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep slopes above approximately 2000 m, and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In particular in regions exposed to heavier precipitation and in the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more widespread and the danger is greater. As a consequence of the ceasing of precipitation individual natural loose snow slides are possible, even medium-sized ones. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in some places in particular on very steep shady slopes. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes in all aspects especially above the tree line.

20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Friday. More snow than expected has fallen in particular in the Primiero- Pale di S. Martino and in neighbouring regions. The sometimes strong wind has transported the new snow. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers on shady slopes above the tree line. Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. As the precipitation eases individual loose snow avalanches are to be expected.