Prags Dolomites

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Avalanches can in some cases be released in near-ground layers and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Such avalanche prone locations are rare but are barely recognisable. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. The fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. They can in some cases be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found especially adjacent to ridgelines. On extremely steep slopes small loose snow avalanches are possible, in the event of solar radiation in particular.

15 to 25 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Saturday. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. They are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on shady slopes. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies above approximately 2000 m. Below approximately 2000 m and steep sunny slopes: The old snowpack will be moist.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.