Deferegger Alps East

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant, in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Mostly avalanches are rather 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. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche danger is a little higher.

As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers in particular on steep northwest, north and east facing slopes. Faceted weak layers exist deep in the old snowpack especially on shady slopes. The new snow of the last few days is lying on a crust at intermediate altitudes. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations over a wide area. Only a little snow is lying.

Wind slabs require caution. Until Monday the weather will be cold. These weather conditions will prevent a rapid stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.