Prags Dolomites

Wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering.

Wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering.

The no longer entirely fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases in all aspects above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, especially on very steep shady slopes. The avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. In isolated cases avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind, wind slabs formed in the last few days over a wide area. The clearly visible wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. They are lying on unfavourable layers in particular on wind-protected shady slopes. Faceted weak layers exist in the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Especially at low and intermediate altitudes only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

The weather conditions will give rise to gradual consolidation of the snowpack. Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.