Stubai Alps Central

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from northerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed. These are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. New snow and wind slabs can over a wide area be released by a single winter sport participant. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Wherever the sun appears, the likelihood of natural avalanches being released will increase. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases by individual winter sport participants. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep, little used west and east facing slopes above approximately 2600 m. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.

20 to 40 cm of snow has fallen since Saturday. The fresh snow and the wind slabs formed during the snowfall are lying on soft layers in all aspects above approximately 2000 m. West, south and east facing slopes below approximately 2400 m: The new snow is lying on a crust. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack especially on little used west, north and east facing slopes. This applies on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on west and east facing slopes above approximately 2600 m.

Gradual decrease in avalanche danger.