Weißkugel Group

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

The fresh wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase. These can in some cases release deeper layers of the snowpack and reach large size. Dry avalanches can additionally in some places be released in the weakly bonded old snow also, especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of wet and gliding avalanches being released will increase. Careful route selection is recommended.

Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally on Wednesday. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate poor snowpack stability. The high temperatures as the day progresses will give rise to gradual and thorough wetting of the snowpack in particular below the tree line.

On Thursday it will be mild. As a consequence of mild temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise. These spring-like weather conditions will give rise to rapid softening of the snowpack in particular at low and intermediate altitudes. Some snow will fall from the afternoon in some regions.