Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant. Mostly they are medium-sized. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. They are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from southwesterly directions, mostly small wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. These are in some cases prone to triggering above approximately 2400 m.

Some snow will fall in some regions. The sometimes strong wind will transport the snow. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack at elevated altitudes. This applies in particular on northwest, north and east facing slopes. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Below approximately 2000 m as well as steep sunny slopes: The snowpack is fairly homogeneous and its surface has a crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.

Avalanches can as before be released by a single winter sport participant.