Border Pennine Alps

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically, especially on very steep slopes in high Alpine regions.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically, especially on very steep slopes in high Alpine regions.

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can still be released in some cases above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in steep rocky terrain, as well as on steep, little used shady slopes. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach medium size on little used shady slopes.

Outgoing longwave radiation during the night was quite good. High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The northwesterly wind has transported the new snow significantly. In shady places that are protected from the wind: Towards its surface, the snowpack is fairly homogeneous; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. Very steep sunny slopes: Towards its surface, the snowpack is largely stable and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. This applies in particular on steep east, north and northwest facing slopes,.