Reisseck Group

The avalanche-prone wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. They represent the main danger.

The avalanche-prone wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. They represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. These can be released by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on southwest to north to southeast facing aspects above approximately 2200 m and on south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. In particular in shady places that are protected from the wind avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as in gullies and bowls. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are larger. In addition from midday in particular at the base of rock walls, small loose snow avalanches are possible.

5 to 15 cm of snow has fallen since Thursday. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. Some snow will fall during the night. The wind will be strong at times. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly. The wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted. 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.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.