The more recent wind slabs can be released in some cases in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, especially at transitions into gullies and bowls. The mostly small wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls. 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
As a consequence of a moderate to strong southwesterly wind, mostly small wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The fresh wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Shady slopes: The snowpack consists of faceted crystals. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack. Steep sunny slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface. Less snow than usual is lying. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
As a consequence of a sometimes strong northwesterly wind, wind slabs will form. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Wind slabs require caution.
The more recent wind slabs can be released in isolated cases on extremely steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions, especially at transitions into gullies and bowls. The small wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The wind will be moderate to strong in some regions. Shady slopes: The small wind slabs are in isolated cases prone to triggering. The snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially in places that are protected from the wind. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack. Steep sunny slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface. On sunny slopes at low and intermediate altitudes hardly any snow is lying.
Tendency
Low avalanche danger will prevail. Wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger will prevail.
Older wind slabs are small and unlikely to be released now. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on extremely steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes, in particular in gullies and bowls. The 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
Only a little snow is lying. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Shady slopes: The snowpack consists of faceted crystals. Steep sunny slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface.
Tendency
Low avalanche danger will prevail. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
