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 2200 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, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.
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 below approximately 2400 m: Towards its surface, the snowpack is fairly homogeneous and its surface has a melt-freeze crust.
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
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Wind slabs can in some cases be released.
The 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 2400 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Such avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. 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. Wind slabs are to be avoided.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1900m
Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Wind slabs require caution.
Wind slabs can in isolated cases be released. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls at elevated altitudes. 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 unfavourable layers at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals.
Steep south facing slopes: The snowpack is fairly homogeneous and its surface has a melt-freeze crust.
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
Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Wind slabs require caution.
Wind slabs can in isolated cases be released. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2200 m. 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 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.
