Prags Dolomites

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong southwesterly wind, wind slabs will form on Friday especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. As the snowfall becomes more intense the prevalence and size of the avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

15 to 30 cm of snow will fall on Friday, in particular above the tree line. The old snowpack is largely stable and its surface has a crust, in particular on steep sunny slopes in all altitude zones, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2400 m. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind.

As a consequence of new snow and wind there will be an increase in the avalanche danger. Over a wide area 15 to 30 cm of snow will fall on Saturday. In the Sexten Dolomites and in the Lienzer Dolomites in some localities up to 50 cm of snow will fall. A critical avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.