Weißkugel Group

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes storm force southwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. The fresh wind slabs are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow. These avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Avalanches can reach medium size.

In some localities up to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The wind will be strong to storm force. The southwesterly wind will transport the new snow. The wind slabs will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on steep northwest, north and east facing slopes. Shady slopes: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. Steep sunny slopes: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the new snow. Especially in the south up to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Wednesday. The sometimes storm force wind will transport the new snow. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.