Bollettino valanghe

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

As a consequence of a storm force wind, small wind slabs will form in all aspects. These are in some cases prone to triggering in particular on steep northwest, north and east facing slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above approximately 2200 m and in gullies and bowls. The prevalence of these avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Single persons can release avalanches in some places. Mostly these are rather small. The somewhat older wind slabs of last week can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases on very steep, rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes, especially at their margins. Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are to be bypassed in particular in very steep terrain.

The storm force wind will transport the snow. Above approximately 2200 m snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The fresh and older wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes.

As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind, further wind slabs will form.