Weißkugel Group

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

As a consequence of the moderate to strong foehn wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size. The fresh snow of the weekend as well as the wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Especially here avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as in places that are protected from the wind. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are barely recognisable. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Restraint is advisable.

Up to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Saturday. As a consequence of a strengthening wind from southerly directions, further wind slabs will form. These are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above approximately 2000 m. The old snowpack is faceted and weak. This applies especially in shady places that are protected from the wind. The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

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