Wind slab
- Above 2,400 m
- Size
- 2
Stability: poor · Frequency: some
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Loose snow avalanches require caution.
Stability: poor · Frequency: some
Stability: very poor · Frequency: few
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Loose snow avalanches require caution.
The new snow and wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. The wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. Avalanches can reach medium size. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected, but they will be mostly small. Avalanches can in very isolated cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach quite a large size. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. From origins in starting zones where no previous releases have taken place more gliding avalanches are possible, in particular medium-sized ones. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m, as well as on steep shady slopes below approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.
In particular in the west 10 to 25 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last few days. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on wind-protected shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies above approximately 2400 m. As a consequence of rising temperatures and solar radiation the snowpack will settle in the course of the day. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack, especially on sunny slopes, and on shady slopes at intermediate altitudes.
As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise. Gradual decrease in avalanche danger.
Bulletin data: Avalanche Warning Service South Tyrol, avalanche.report (CC BY 4.0)