As a consequence of a strong to storm force westerly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m, especially on very steep slopes. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in near-ground layers at high altitude. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines. They are very rare but are difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Some snow will fall in some regions. In the west 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The fresh wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the old snowpack, in particular on shady slopes at high altitude in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to moistening of the snowpack, in particular at intermediate and high altitudes.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs require caution. More frequent mostly small loose snow avalanches are to be expected.
Danger level
A favourable avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.
As a consequence of a strong to storm force westerly wind, rather small wind slabs will form at high altitude. The fresh wind slabs are bonding well with the old snowpack.
Snowpack
The snowpack will be well bonded over a wide area. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to moistening of the snowpack. This applies at intermediate and high altitudes.
Tendency
The avalanche conditions are favourable over a wide area.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs at high altitude.
The fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Avalanches can in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow at high altitude. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. They are very rare but are difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In some cases wind slabs are lying on soft layers, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitude. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to moistening of the snowpack, in particular at intermediate and high altitudes.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs require caution. Mostly small loose snow avalanches are to be expected.
