Border Pennine Alps

Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.

Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.

Weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular on wind-loaded slopes. Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially in steep terrain and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach quite a large size. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be quite good. The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust and will soften during the day. As the day progresses as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation there will be an increase in the danger of moist and wet avalanches. Backcountry tours, off-piste skiing and ascents to alpine cabins should be concluded timely.

The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular on shady slopes. The spring-like weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack.