Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant. Mostly they are medium-sized. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of a storm force wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes easily released wind slabs will form in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. This applies in particular above approximately 2400 m. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger.

Some snow will fall in some regions. The wind will transport the snow. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack at elevated altitudes. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Below approximately 2000 m as well as steep sunny slopes: The snowpack is fairly homogeneous and its surface has a crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.

Avalanches can as before be released by a single winter sport participant.