Monregalese Valleys

Wind slabs in the high Alpine regions. Wet and gliding snow at low altitude.

Wind slabs in the high Alpine regions. Wet and gliding snow at low altitude.

As a consequence of a moderate wind from northwesterly directions, wind slabs will form at elevated altitudes. Wind slabs can be released, even by a single winter sport participant. This applies in particular on steep shady slopes in high Alpine regions, as well as on wind-loaded slopes, in the regions exposed to a lot of wind, also at transitions into gullies and bowls. In isolated cases avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size. On steep slopes and at low altitude more moist avalanches are possible by midday, but they can reach medium size in some cases.

In the last few days hard wind slabs formed over a wide area. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. In the vicinity of peaks snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. As a consequence of a moderate wind from northwesterly directions, mostly small wind slabs will form. Weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on steep northwest, north and northeast facing slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures gave rise to moistening of the old snowpack at low altitude.