Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Weakly bonded old snow at elevated altitudes.

Weakly bonded old snow at elevated altitudes.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from variable directions, wind slabs formed in the last few days. Avalanches can be released in near-ground layers in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. In steep gullies they can reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also on sunny slopes in high Alpine regions. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

The wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. This applies especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m in places that are protected from the wind.

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.