Prags Dolomites

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

As a consequence of a storm force wind, extensive wind slabs formed in the last few days in all aspects. These are prone to triggering in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The prevalence of these will increase with altitude. Even single persons can release avalanches as before, including medium-sized ones. In very isolated cases dry avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, this applies in particular in case of a large load. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.

The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. Above approximately 2200 m snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The fresh wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Steep sunny slopes as well as low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist. As a consequence of falling temperatures a crust will form on the surface.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.