Ortler Range

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind, easily released wind slabs will form in all aspects. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above the tree line and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow, even by small loads in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line. They are rather rare but are difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.

Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Tuesday. The fresh wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the quite favourable surface of an old snowpack on sunny slopes at intermediate altitudes. In its middle, the snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on shady slopes.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.