North and center of Aran

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution. Outside marked and open pistes an unfavourable avalanche situation will persist.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution. Outside marked and open pistes an unfavourable avalanche situation will persist.

The new snow of last week is lying on soft layers in particular on wind-protected shady slopes above approximately 1800 m. In isolated cases the avalanches in these loacations are medium-sized and can be released easily also by a single winter sport participant. In addition the mostly small wind slabs of the weekend in particular adjacent to ridgelines on northeast, east and south facing slopes and at high altitudes are capable of being triggered in some cases still. Very steep sunny slopes: As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation numerous small gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected.

40 to 70 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. Released avalanches and whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack confirm a precarious avalanche situation in all aspects. In high Alpine regions snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. At intermediate and high altitudes there are 60 to 120 cm of snow, and even more in some localities.

Thursday: The danger of dry and moist avalanches will decrease gradually.