Weißkugel Group

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger. This applies above approximately 2400 m. Gliding snow requires caution.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger. This applies above approximately 2400 m. Gliding snow requires caution.

Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack can be released by individual winter sport participants. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation on the Main Alpine Ridge. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially unfavourable. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. Careful route selection is recommended. Afternoon: On rocky sunny slopes individual loose snow avalanches are possible. In the event of solar radiation this applies. As a consequence of a sometimes strong southerly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form in the regions exposed to the foehn wind. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas at elevated altitudes. The prevalence of such avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists, in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. These can in isolated cases reach dangerously large size. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.

The meteorological conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snowpack. In some places new snow is lying on surface hoar, especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation on the Main Alpine Ridge. Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies above approximately 2400 m. Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes.

Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.