Samnaun Mountains

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

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

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on steep shady slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. Avalanches are rather small. As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. These are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. They are to be avoided especially in very steep terrain. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.

The strong wind has transported the loosely bonded old snow. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes. The old snowpack will be in most cases stable. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.