Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from variable directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular above the tree line. Avalanches can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. They are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. As a consequence of solar radiation small dry loose snow avalanches are possible. This applies in steep rocky terrain. Dry avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in deep layers by large loads. This applies in particular on extremely steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday. The sometimes strong wind has transported the new snow, especially at elevated altitudes. In particular in the regions of the south exposed to the foehn wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally on Thursday. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on soft layers. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. This applies in particular above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from variable directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular above the tree line. Avalanches can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. They are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. In regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanche prone locations are more widespread and the danger is greater. As a consequence of solar radiation small dry loose snow avalanches are possible. This applies in steep rocky terrain. Dry avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in deep layers by large loads. This applies in particular on extremely steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
Over a wide area 10 to 30 cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday. The sometimes strong wind has transported the new snow, especially at elevated altitudes. In particular in the regions of the south exposed to the foehn wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally on Thursday. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on soft layers. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. This applies in particular above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
