Deferegger Alps East

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from variable directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form on Sunday above the tree line. The fresh wind slabs are mostly small but can in some cases be released easily. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Wind slabs are to be avoided in steep terrain. Dry avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in deep layers by large loads. This applies in particular on extremely steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. These avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye.

Somewhat older wind slabs have bonded quite well with the old snowpack. As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in the course of the day in some places. In some places wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. This applies in particular above approximately 2400 m.

The avalanche danger will persist. Fresh wind slabs require caution.