Avalanche Forecast Translation

This avalanche translation of the Meteo France avalanche bulletin is produced mainly through an automated translation tool. Please use it in conjunction with the French bulletin found at the above link.

Bulletin issued on Sunday 09 December 2007 at 16h27

N74091211
SNOW AND AVALANCHE INFORMATION OF HAUTE SAVOIE
(VALID OFF PISTE BALISÉES AND OPEN)
PREPARED ON SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER 2007
FROM REDUCED INFORMATION

SNOW CONDITIONS:
With the passage of several disturbances from the West in recent days, the snow is excellent for early December. We can ski at 1300 m.
At 1500 m, there was between 20 and 30 cm of snow. At 2000m, snow reached 80 cm to 1m, particularly in Mont Blanc. Note the presence of large irregularities in altitude following the strong winds from the West which caused a major transport.

ESTIMATED FALLS FROM RECENT SNOW:
Friday night to Saturday, between 10 and 30 cm of snow fell depending on the altitude. Between Saturday evening and Sunday noon, 20 to 35 cm of additional snow fell mainly above 1500 m.

STATE OF THE SNOW THIS SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER:
The snow was wet up to 1600 m, the recent layer rests on a recent compact snow which saw rain. Above 1600 m, it is colder and generally powdery.  Sectors exposed to wind from the west have dense and worked snow, including over 2000 m.
We have reported outbreaks of plates to the passage of a skier, up to 50 cm thick, particularly in the Mont Blanc up to 2500 m in northern slope.

TREND FOR THE COMING DAYS:
On Monday the 101th in the early morning, we expect to find a new layer of 20 cm of snow and will add 20 cm further during the day, with a rain/snow limit close to 1000 m. In these circumstances, it is likely that the steep slopes above 2000 m will start to bleed into the night and during the day Monday.
When the risk of triggering an avalanche in passing a skier and hiker, it is rising sharply on Monday. Significant accumulations being associated with the carriage by the wind make the formation of plaques more or less fragile. These plates, sometimes coarse, are difficult to detect because they can be composed of almost powdery snow. It will be méfiera particularly in northwest side, especially at altitudes above 2200 m and areas of accumulation.

Tuesday 11, the risk remains with 15 to 20 cm of snow additional cold. The wind turns Northwest and promotes greater accumulations in the Chablais.

Wednesday 12, cold and dry weather, the 1st day of sun and snow cinema ... Caution as stabilizing looks very slow and Bise of the Northeast might effectively carry heavy snow remained slight.

This information will be updated on Monday, Dec. 10th.