Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Fresh and older wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.

Fresh and older wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.

Fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering. These can be released in the weakly bonded old snow, even by a single winter sport participant. Avalanches can reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also on steep south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as on wind-loaded slopes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. 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 sometimes strong wind has transported some snow. This applies in particular in the regions of the south that are exposed to the foehn wind. The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. They are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones.

The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant.