Kitzbühel Alps Wildschönau

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

The large quantity of fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs can be released easily above the tree line. Avalanches can be triggered in near-surface layers and reach medium size. Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. In addition gliding avalanches are possible, especially on cut and grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.

The wind has transported the new snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes.

Wind slabs are to be avoided.