Reisseck Group

Wind slabs can in some cases be released.

Wind slabs can in some cases be released.

The wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Such avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

The wind slabs are mostly rather small but prone to triggering. They are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. 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.

The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain at elevated altitudes. Wind slabs are to be avoided.