Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. Wind slabs represent the main danger.
As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the previously small wind slabs will increase in size as the day progresses. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on southwest to north to southeast facing aspects above approximately 2200 m and on steep south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. In particular in shady places that are protected from the wind avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as in gullies and bowls. 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.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
5 to 15 cm of snow has fallen. The strong wind will transport the new snow significantly.
The wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted and its surface has a crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Wind slabs are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.
The mostly shallow wind slabs are prone to triggering in particular on northwest to north to northeast facing aspects above approximately 1800 m. Avalanches can be released, even by a single winter sport participant, but they will be small in most cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Along the border with Slovenia the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In particular along the border with Slovenia 5 to 15 cm of snow has fallen since Tuesday. The wind has transported the new snow. Some snow will fall. The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers on shady slopes above approximately 1800 m. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals.
A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Wind slabs require caution.
The mostly shallow wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Mostly avalanches are only small. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Some snow has fallen. The wind will be strong. Some snow will fall in the next few hours. The wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers at elevated altitudes.
The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
The fresh wind slabs are mostly only small but prone to triggering.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Mostly avalanches are only small. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Some snow has fallen. The wind will be strong. The wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers at elevated altitudes.
The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.
