The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases in particular on very steep west and north facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, especially at transitions into gullies and bowls. The mostly small wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach medium size.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep west and north facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions, especially in gullies and bowls. Faceted weak layers exist deep in the old snowpack especially on shady slopes. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
Wind slabs require caution. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided.
As a consequence of a freshening southerly foehn wind, mostly small wind slabs will form. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above the tree line, in the regions exposed to a lot of wind in particular. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach medium size. This applies in particular south of the Inn.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
As a consequence of a sometimes strong southerly foehn wind, wind slabs will form on Sunday. The mostly shallow wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack. Towards its surface, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. This applies on shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
Wind slabs require caution. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from southerly directions, small wind slabs will form in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases on very steep west and north facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. The avalanche prone locations are rather rare clearly recognisable to the trained eye.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers on west and north facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The old snowpack will be quite well bonded.
Tendency
The avalanche conditions are generally favourable. Wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
A mostly favourable avalanche situation will prevail. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
The small wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised on near-ridge slopes, as well as in gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are rather rare and are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Wind slabs are to be avoided in particular in terrain where there is a danger of falling.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
A favourable avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area. Wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger will prevail. A little snow is lying.
The old wind slabs are mostly small and can only be released in isolated cases. Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes, in particular in gullies and bowls. Such avalanche prone locations are rare and are easy to recognise. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The wind slabs are now only very rarely prone to triggering. A little snow is lying. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.
Tendency
In all altitude zones from a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying. Low avalanche danger will prevail.
