Tuxer Alps West

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs are mostly rather small but can in some cases be released easily. They are to be found in all aspects. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Wind slabs are to be avoided in steep terrain. Dry avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in deep layers by large loads. This applies in particular on extremely steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. These avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.

In some regions 5 to 15 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Saturday. As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular above the tree line. In some places wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Somewhat older wind slabs have bonded quite well with the old snowpack. The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. This applies in particular above approximately 2400 m.

The avalanche danger will persist. Fresh wind slabs require caution.