Vicentine Prealps

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

The wind will be strong at times. Over a wide area large surface-area wind slabs will form. These will form in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on wind-loaded slopes of all aspects above approximately 1900 m and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. In some places the avalanches can be triggered in deep layers of the snowpack and reach medium size. They can be released, even by a single winter sport participant. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. In particular on very steep shady slopes medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large avalanches are possible. Maintaining distances between individuals and one-at-a-time descents are recommended. Experience and restraint are required.

Above approximately 1900 m sometimes easily released wind slabs formed. Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak.