The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In high Alpine regions these avalanche prone locations are present in all aspects.
Individual dry loose snow avalanches are possible. This applies in particular on extremely steep sunny slopes.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. In isolated cases the gliding avalanches are quite large.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
As a consequence of a moderate to strong northeasterly wind, wind slabs will form in the afternoon. The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on soft layers.
The wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. The new snow of last week is lying on a crust in all aspects below approximately 2600 m. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable.
Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.
Tendency
The fresh and older wind slabs remain in some cases prone to triggering.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slabs require caution.
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released in isolated cases, especially at their margins. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Mostly avalanches are small.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers. The old snowpack will be quite stable.