Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above the tree line. 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 dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
The wind was storm force in some cases. The northwesterly wind has transported some snow. Avalanche prone wind slabs formed.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northerly wind, extensive wind slabs formed in all aspects. These can be released even by a single winter sport participant above the tree line. The wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise, caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
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.1: deep persistent weak layer
The sometimes storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together.
The old snowpack will be weakly bonded in some places, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
Wind slabs are to be avoided. Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
