Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

Fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects. This applies in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above approximately 2000 m. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Avalanches can reach medium size. Avalanches can also be released in near-ground layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on shady slopes above approximately 2000 m and on rather lightly snow-covered sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. Especially transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are unfavourable. As a consequence of solar radiation mostly small moist loose snow avalanches are possible. Meticulous route selection is appropriate.

15 to 25 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Monday. As a consequence of a strong wind from variable directions, wind slabs formed. These are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack above approximately 2000 m. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies in particular above approximately 2000 m. Steep sunny slopes: Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.