Lasörling Group

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases above the tree line. This also applies in areas close to the tree line. The mostly small wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. They are to be avoided as far as possible. Gullies and bowls are especially unfavourable. Even a small avalanche can sweep winter sport participants along and give rise to falls. In addition further very occasional gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. In isolated cases the gliding avalanches are quite large, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from northwesterly directions, further wind slabs will form in the course of the day. The fresh wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. These are mostly rather small but can in some cases be released easily. The somewhat older wind slabs are unlikely to be released now. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

The fresh wind slabs remain in some cases prone to triggering.