Wind slab
- Above treeline
- Size
- 1
Stability: poor · Frequency: some
Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided.
Stability: poor · Frequency: some
Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided.
The more recent wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant in particular on west to north to southeast facing aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Their prevalence will increase with altitude. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Mostly avalanches are rather small. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Some snow will fall. As a consequence of a strong wind from westerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs will form. These are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.
In particular in the north up to 15 cm of snow will fall. The avalanche danger will increase. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.
Bulletin data: Avalanche Warning Service South Tyrol, avalanche.report (CC BY 4.0)