Vicentine Prealps

Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack. The sometimes large wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. The fresh snow of last week and the sometimes deep wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in all aspects above approximately 1700 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.

Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack. The sometimes large wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. The fresh snow of last week and the sometimes deep wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in all aspects above approximately 1700 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.

In all aspects large surface-area wind slabs formed. The wind slabs of last week represent the main danger. These avalanche prone locations are to be found also adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 1700 m. They are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore barely recognisable. Snow sport participants can release avalanches in some places, including medium-sized ones. Maintaining distances between individuals and one-at-a-time descents are recommended. As a consequence of the mostly light northeasterly wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size.

The sometimes large wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 1700 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication.