Prags Dolomites

Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on west to north to east facing aspects, in particular above the tree line. Slopes adjacent to ridgelines are especially unfavourable. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Additionally avalanches can also be released in deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Especially transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are unfavourable.

The sometimes large wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. The snowpack remains quite prone to triggering. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence.