Ortler Range

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

As a consequence of a strong wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. These are to be bypassed as far as possible. 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. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow, in particular by large additional loads. These can in very isolated cases release deeper layers of the snowpack and reach large size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. They are rather rare but are difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.

The strong wind has transported the fresh and old snow. The fresh and older wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In its middle, the snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on shady slopes. The high temperatures on Friday gave rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack. This applies on steep sunny slopes in all altitude zones, as well as in all aspects at low and intermediate altitudes. As a consequence of low temperatures a crust will form on the surface at the weekend.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.