Bondone and Stivo

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases by individual winter sport participants especially in little used terrain. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. In addition the wind slabs in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some cases still. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on north, east and southeast facing slopes above the tree line. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small and medium-sized wet avalanches are possible. This applies in particular on very steep sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m. Restraint is advisable.

The sometimes storm force wind has transported some snow. Sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. The snowpack will be in some cases prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The meteorological conditions will foster a gradual weakening of the snowpack on sunny slopes.

Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.