Vicentine Prealps

The wind was strong to storm force over a wide area. The wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant.

The wind was strong to storm force over a wide area. The wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant.

The wind slabs represent the main danger. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 1700 m. Snow sport participants can release avalanches in some places, including medium-sized ones. Maintaining distances between individuals and one-at-a-time descents are recommended. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger. As a consequence of warming during the day, the likelihood of moist avalanches being released will increase in particular on extremely steep sunny slopes below approximately 2500 m.

The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 1700 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication.