Vicentine Prealps

The wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution and restraint.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

The wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution and restraint.

As a consequence of a strong wind from easterly directions, sometimes deep wind slabs formed in the last two days. These are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and generally at elevated altitudes. Avalanches can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant. Mostly they are medium-sized. Over a wide area 5 to 10 cm of snow has fallen since Saturday above approximately 1500 m. In some localities up to 15 cm of snow has fallen above approximately 1500 m. The wind slabs are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Mostly small natural avalanches are possible in the regions exposed to precipitation. Distinct weak layers exist deep in the snowpack on shady slopes. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants especially here. Whumpfing sounds serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Avalanches can in very isolated cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach quite a large size.

Over a wide area new snow is lying on a moist old snowpack. Especially adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects: The sometimes strong wind has transported the new snow. Here snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Distinct weak layers exist deep in the snowpack on shady slopes.