Allgäu Alps East

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. Gliding avalanches are still possible.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. Gliding avalanches are still possible.

The fresh wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger. As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from westerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. These can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially unfavourable. Isolated small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow. These avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Avalanches can reach medium size.

15 to 25 cm of snow has fallen. The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow. Shady slopes: The snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Steep sunny slopes: The snowpack consists of faceted crystals and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.