Avalanche Bulletin update 27th Jan

Meteo France are warning that new snow expected tomorrow will fall on a weak layer of old snow and the avalanche risk will rise as the snow falls, especially on North and East Facing slopes

Here are their words for Haute Tarentaise. It is similar elsewhere and even more marked especially in areas where more snow is expected in the Beaufortain, Vanoise and PreAlps

The strong wind of WSW then WNW is expected in the very high mountain during the falls of snow, with gusts sometimes even in the low valleys. This will form windslab more or less vulnerable to triggering, and cause accumulations on the lee slopes. The grip of these slabs on recent snow will not be good.

NATURAL DEPARTURES: will become more frequent and bigger low down. The wet snow can favor locally some flows below 1500 m. Elsewhere, avalanches of powder or slab can sometimes happen.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASES: A skier will be sufficient to trigger an avalanche of powder or slab, larger throughout the day, especially on cold slopes (NW to NE) and leeward (NE to SE). It can also promote the sliding of wetter snow.

Read the avalanche bulletin click here