Vicentine Prealps

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

The sometimes strong wind has transported the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. In particular adjacent to ridgelines wind slabs formed. Distinct weak layers exist in the snowpack on shady slopes. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. The sometimes deep wind slabs represent the main danger. They can be released even by a single winter sport participant. On very steep shady slopes medium-sized slab avalanches are possible.

Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. The covering of new snow is soft. Above the tree line, shady slopes: Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a weakly bonded old snowpack.