North and center of Aran

The snow sport conditions outside marked and open pistes are dangerous.

New snow, wind slabs and old snow are to be critically assessed.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force northerly wind, dangerous wind slabs will form especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The sometimes large wind slabs can be released easily or naturally in all aspects and at intermediate and high altitudes. On very steep slopes more frequent dry snow slides and avalanches are to be expected, even medium-sized ones. Steep shady slopes, in places that are protected from the wind: Dry avalanches can in some cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach very large size in isolated cases. The peak danger point will be reached in the late morning probably. As the snowfall eases there will be a gradual decrease in the danger of dry avalanches to level 3 (considerable) from midday. The conditions are critical for ski touring, freeriding and snowshoe hiking.

20 to 30 cm of snow has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 1400 m. 25 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Friday above approximately 1400 m. The northerly wind will transport the new snow significantly. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers. The avalanche prone locations are numerous and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. At intermediate altitudes there are 120 to 240 cm of snow, and even more in some localities. Snow depths vary greatly at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Friday: Gradual decrease in danger of dry avalanches as the snowfall eases. Rapid increase in danger of moist avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.