Deferegger Alps East

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

The fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering. They can be released by a single winter sport participant especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. The mostly small wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Caution is to be exercised in places that are protected from the wind, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in very isolated cases be released in the old snowpack, in particular by large additional loads. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack on extremely steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. In the north such avalanche prone locations are a little more prevalent. Avalanches can reach medium size.

As a consequence of the occasionally strong wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack especially on wind-protected shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. The old snowpack will be prone to triggering in some places, especially in little used terrain on very steep shady slopes.

The avalanche danger will decrease gradually. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep, little used shady slopes.