Villach Alps

Wind slabs require caution.

Wind slabs require caution.

The wind slabs of the last few days remain prone to triggering. These can be released even by a single winter sport participant in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 1800 m. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also on wind-protected south facing slopes. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

5 to 20 cm of snow fell in the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and 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.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.