Saualpe North

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow by a single winter sport participant. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 1800 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.

The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted. Weak layers exist in the snowpack.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants. As a consequence of a strong wind from southerly directions, easily released wind slabs will form. In some regions increase in avalanche danger.