Deferegger Alps East

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Weakly bonded old snow at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Weakly bonded old snow at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong southwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form on Thursday especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant in all aspects at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Weakly bonded old snow: In isolated cases avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack and reach quite a large size, especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2800 m. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

Some snow will fall in some regions. The new snow and wind slabs are in some cases still prone to triggering above the tree line. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers on wind-protected shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2800 m. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Over a wide area 15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Friday. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind there will be an increase in the avalanche danger. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.