Kitzbühel Alps Wildschönau

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs represent the main danger.

In the last few days wind slabs formed at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The fresh and older wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. These are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Avalanches are rather small but can be released even by a single winter sport participant. As a consequence of solar radiation more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, but they will be mostly small. 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 that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

The no longer entirely fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers above approximately 2200 m. In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Wind slabs require caution. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.