Danger level
 | 2000m |
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The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs represent the main danger. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow.
In the last few days wind slabs formed at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The fresh and older wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2000 m. These are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Avalanches are rather small but can be released even by a single winter sport participant.
Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size in isolated cases, in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.
As a consequence of solar radiation more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, but they will be mostly small. In the regions with a lot of snow individual medium-sized loose snow avalanches are possible, in particular in Sulden and in the Stubai Alps.
Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
5 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Friday. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers above approximately 2000 m.
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack, especially on northwest, north and east facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
Wind slabs require caution. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.
