Fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. On wind-loaded slopes a treacherous avalanche situation will prevail.
Avalanches can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised on wind-loaded slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as on wind-loaded slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Individual natural avalanches are possible as the day progresses, but they will be mostly small. This applies in particular on wind-loaded slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The wind will be strong over a wide area, in particular at elevated altitudes. As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. The fresh and older wind slabs are to be avoided in particular in very steep terrain. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on shady slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as above the tree line, also on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack.
Tendency
As a consequence of low temperatures and the strong wind, the snowpack can not consolidate. The snowpack will become prone to triggering over a wide area. The conditions are precarious for winter sport activities outside marked and open pistes.
