Friday 05.02.2021
Published04 02 2021, 17:00
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow

1800m

Wind-drifted snow

2300m

 

Wind slabs in the high Alpine regions. Several gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible as the day progresses.
As a consequence of a moderate to strong southerly wind, visible wind slabs formed adjacent to ridgelines on north and east facing slopes. The fresh wind slabs are mostly very small but can in some cases be released easily. They are to be found in particular at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

As the day progresses more small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible. This applies on very steep sunny slopes, including on grassy slopes. From starting zones where no previous releases have taken place on the peaks and ridges of the divide with the Couserans, the Luishonés and the Ariège the gliding avalanches can in some cases reach fairly large size.

Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for meticulous route selection. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
>
Up to 2500 m and above rain fell on Monday in all regions. The snowpack is largely stable and its surface has a strong melt-freeze crust. Sunny slopes as well as low altitudes: The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust and will soften during the day. Shady slopes: Even in moderately steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard crust.

The foehn wind has transported only a little snow. In the regions of the south exposed to the foehn wind the wind slabs will increase in size hardly at all.

At low and intermediate altitudes less snow than usual is lying. At high altitude snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. At low altitude from a snow sport perspective, insufficient snow is lying.
Tendency
Slight increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of new snow and wind. Gradual decrease in danger of moist avalanches as the temperature drops.