The somewhat 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 east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Such avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. 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
The wind slabs are mostly rather small but prone to triggering. They are bonding only slowly with 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
The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain at elevated altitudes.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.
The somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2000 m. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also on steep south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain.
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. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.
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 dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
The wind slabs are easy for the trained eye to recognise but prone to triggering. They are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals.
Steep south facing slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface.
Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.
Tendency
Wind slabs are to be avoided.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1900m
Wind slabs require caution. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
The somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 1900 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
The wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals.
Steep south facing slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface.
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
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
A little snow is lying. Wind slabs require caution.
The somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases 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
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.
