Upper Passeier Valley

Wind slabs require caution.

Wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from southerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular at elevated altitudes. The wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. They can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on southwest to north to east facing aspects. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. At elevated altitudes and in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation such avalanche prone locations are more widespread and exist in all aspects. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized. Individual gliding avalanches are possible, even medium-sized ones. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m. As a consequence of solar radiation individual loose snow avalanches are to be expected, but they will be mostly small.

10 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Friday above approximately 1500 m. As a consequence of new snow and wind the wind slabs have increased in size moderately in the last few days. They are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above the tree line. Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack will be quite moist.

Wind slabs require caution. The weather conditions will facilitate a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. As a consequence of solar radiation individual loose snow avalanches are to be expected.