Kaiser Mountains - Waidring Alps

Wind slabs require caution.

Wind slabs require caution.

The somewhat older wind slabs can be released easily. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as adjacent to ridgelines. Such avalanche prone locations are easy to recognise. At elevated altitudes such avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. In some cases the avalanches in these loacations are medium-sized. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.

The wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. Steep south facing slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones.

Wind slabs are to be avoided.