Upper Passeier Valley

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from southerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular at elevated altitudes. The wind slabs of the last few days will be covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. They can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Below approximately 2400 m the avalanche prone locations are more rare. Here the avalanches are less common and smaller. Individual gliding avalanches are possible, even medium-sized ones. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m. As a consequence of the new snow loose snow avalanches are to be expected, but they will be mostly small.

5 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Friday above approximately 1400 m. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs have increased in size additionally. In some regions up to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Sunday above approximately 1300 m. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above the tree line. Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals. Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack will be quite moist.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. Loose snow avalanches are to be expected.