Weißkugel Group

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines, and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. In addition small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized moist loose snow avalanches are to be expected, in the event of prolonged bright spells in particular on very steep sunny slopes.

20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The sometimes strong wind has transported the new snow. Fresh wind slabs have formed in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. 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.

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.