Border Pennine Alps

Down to low altitudes snow has fallen. The more recent wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.

Down to low altitudes snow has fallen. The more recent wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.

More snow than expected has fallen in some localities. Dry loose snow avalanches and slab avalanches are possible already in the early morning. In particular on steep slopes slab avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and wind, especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, and at intermediate and high altitudes. The avalanche-prone wind slabs of the last two days are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. In particular on very steep shady slopes the avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack and reach large size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Remotely triggered and natural avalanches are possible.

30 to 40 cm of snow has fallen above approximately 1500 m. Further increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of new snow and wind. Intermediate and high altitudes: Large-grained weak layers exist in the snowpack on steep shady slopes. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection. Stability tests and snow profiles show the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack on steep shady slopes. Individual weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack in particular on shady slopes. In some places new snow is lying on surface hoar. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger.

Monday: The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information about the snowpack, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.