The fresh and older wind slabs can be released easily. 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 quite a large 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. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
Up to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last few days. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly.
In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly. The wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted.
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 avoided. Gradual decrease in avalanche danger as a consequence of warming.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slabs are to be avoided.
The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west to north to southeast facing aspects above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized.
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 some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals.
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
Gradual decrease in avalanche danger as a consequence of warming.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
The mostly shallow wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases especially on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches are small.
Snowpack
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. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Low avalanche danger will prevail.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.
Wind slabs are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the old snowpack. The avalanche prone locations are rare but are easy to recognise. Mostly avalanches are 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
The wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on wind-protected shady slopes. The old snowpack is faceted.
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.
