Prags Dolomites

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

The fresh wind slabs can be released easily in some places, especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches is a little higher. Avalanches can reach medium size. On rocky sunny slopes small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.

10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Friday above approximately 1500 m. As a consequence of a sometimes storm force wind, clearly visible wind slabs formed in the last few days. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on near-ridge shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist.

Wind slabs represent the main danger. The meteorological conditions will facilitate a slow change towards better conditions.