Dolomites of Fiemme North

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases by individual winter sport participants especially in little used terrain. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. In addition the wind slabs in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some cases still. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on north, east and southeast facing slopes above the tree line. Restraint is advisable.

Some snow fell on Saturday. The wind will be strong to storm force in some localities. The sometimes storm force wind will transport the new snow. Sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. The snowpack will be in some cases prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to moistening of the snowpack.

Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.