Prags Dolomites

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases, especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases by winter sport participants on very steep west, north and northeast facing slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in little used backcountry terrain, caution is to be exercised in particular in the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable). Individual dry loose snow avalanches are possible. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies on extremely steep slopes.

Over a wide area 15 to 20 cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday above approximately 2000 m. 5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Saturday. In the last few days the wind was moderate to strong at times. The wind has transported the new snow. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west and north facing slopes. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.