Kaiser Mountains - Waidring Alps

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can be released by large additional loads in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies in particular above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 m, in isolated cases also on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Avalanches can reach large size. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs formed. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. More frequent gliding avalanches are to be expected below approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.

Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 m, in isolated cases also on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. The fresh and older wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. The rain gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2400 m. As a consequence of falling temperatures a crust formed on the surface.

Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind.