Kitzbühel Alps Wildschönau

The fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep northwest, north and west facing slopes above the tree line, in isolated cases also in areas close to the tree line. 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. Mostly avalanches are small. 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.

Up to 15 cm of snow fell in the last few days. The wind will be strong in some regions. Fresh and older wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted and its surface has a crust that is barely capable of bearing a load. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.