Prags Dolomites

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Avalanches can in many places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach large size in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line, as well as in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. Their prevalence will increase with altitude. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required.

As a consequence of the sometimes strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above the tree line. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on shady slopes above the tree line, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. The barely recognisable wind slabs will become increasingly prone to triggering at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack.

The new snow and wind slabs remain prone to triggering, in particular at elevated altitudes. As a consequence of the strong northerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form on Tuesday. The avalanche danger will persist.