Sesvenna Group South

Increase in danger as a consequence of the strong wind. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Increase in danger as a consequence of the strong wind. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

As a consequence of a gathering strong northeasterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in some places. The fresh wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2200 m, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. Additionally avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for careful route selection.

The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places. As a consequence of a strengthening wind from northeasterly directions, further wind slabs will form on Friday. These are mostly small but in some cases prone to triggering. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Field observations confirm that the stability of the snowpack varies greatly within a small area.

As a consequence of low temperatures and the strong to storm force northeasterly wind, the snowpack can not consolidate on Saturday. Over a wide area the wind slabs will increase in size once again. Considerable avalanche danger will persist.