Sole, Pejo and Rabbi

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 moderate to strong wind, extensive wind slabs formed in particular adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above the tree line and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Even single persons can release avalanches easily, including medium-sized ones. In some places dry avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger.

The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection.