Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from variable directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. These can in some places be released easily and reach medium size. They are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. Avalanches can additionally be released in near-ground layers also. This applies in all aspects in gullies and bowls above approximately 2000 m. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

Over a wide area 15 to 30 cm of snow has fallen above approximately 1600 m. The wind was moderate to strong at times. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack in particular in gullies and bowls. This applies especially in all aspects above approximately 2000 m.

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.