Kitzbühel Alps Wildschönau

The sometimes new snow-covered wind slabs represent the main danger.

The sometimes new snow-covered wind slabs represent the main danger.

In the last two days sometimes easily released wind slabs formed at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. These avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise. They are to be found in particular on steep northwest, north and southeast facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Avalanches are rather small but can be released even by a single winter sport participant. 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. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow will fall. In some places new snow is lying on soft layers, especially on northwest, north and east facing slopes at elevated altitudes. Friday: The sometimes storm force wind has transported a lot of snow. In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.