Western Nonsberg Alps

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

More recent wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. In isolated cases the avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep slopes above approximately 2000 m, and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more natural loose snow slides are possible as the day progresses. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes in all aspects especially above the tree line.

Over a wide area up to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Friday above approximately 1900 m. The covering of new snow is moist. The new snow can be released easily or naturally in all aspects above the tree line. The sometimes strong wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. As the precipitation eases individual loose snow avalanches are to be expected.