Deferegger Alps East

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

As a consequence of a strong wind, sometimes easily released wind slabs formed in the last few days on west, north and east facing slopes. These are to be bypassed as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases. In very isolated cases dry avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, this applies in particular in case of a large load.

The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh and older wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. The high temperatures on Friday gave rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack. This applies on steep sunny slopes in all altitude zones, as well as in all aspects at low and intermediate altitudes. As a consequence of low temperatures a crust will form on the surface at the weekend.

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