More recent wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases above approximately 2200 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas and in gullies and bowls. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. They are to be avoided as far as possible. Mostly avalanches are only small. Even a small avalanche can sweep winter sport participants along and give rise to falls.
In addition very occasional gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. They remain in some cases prone to triggering. Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals. This is particularly the case in the areas with less snow, well off the main Alpine ridge. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations above the tree line.
Low and intermediate altitudes: Towards its base, the snowpack is moist and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a crust that is strong in many cases.
Tendency
The wind slabs remain in some cases prone to triggering especially on very steep shady slopes.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Gliding snow
2600m
Wind slabs represent the main danger.
The wind slabs of the last few days are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. Avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2400 m. Avalanches can still in isolated cases be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Very steep slopes are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls.
More gliding avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. Also on extremely steep sunny slopes individual small dry loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
The sometimes new snow-covered wind slabs of the last few days are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack at elevated altitudes. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations above the tree line.
Low and intermediate altitudes: Towards its base, the snowpack is moist and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a crust that is strong in many cases.
Tendency
As a consequence of a freshening wind from westerly directions, wind slabs will form on Monday.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
The conditions are favourable over a wide area.
More recent wind slabs are mostly small and can only be released in isolated cases. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep shady slopes, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. Very steep slopes are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls.
In addition further individual gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep grassy slopes. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow
The mostly small wind slabs of the last few days have bonded quite well with the old snowpack. The snowpack is favourably layered and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a crust.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to gradual moistening of the snowpack, this also applies on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
As a consequence of a freshening wind from westerly directions, small wind slabs will form on Monday.
