Snow chaos in Gastein: the danger of avalanches increases dramatically!

Snow chaos in Gastein: the danger of avalanches increases dramatically!

The snow situation in the mountains is currently worrying. According to the current Avalanche report Medium-sized snow avalanches are triggered at various locations above the tree line even with low additional loads. Up to 30 centimeters of fresh snow has fallen in the last few days, significantly increasing the risk of slabs. Roland Pfund, head of operations for the Gastein mountain rescue service, warns: "We have relatively high snow drifts. These blown-in slopes are really dangerous." The conditions are risky for freeriders and ski tourers as the ground is unstable and avalanches can easily form.

Drift snow and its dangers

How SLF.ch explained, wind slab avalanches occur when loose snow is transported and deposited by wind. This avalanche danger occurs particularly often above the tree line, in areas protected from the wind or on edges of the terrain. The weak layer in the snowpack is usually located at the transition between old and new snow, with the danger increasing again due to the mixed layers. The problem can stabilize within a few days of a storm, but current circumstances are particularly threatening.

In order to better navigate these dangerous snow conditions, good observation skills are required. It is important to recognize wind slabs as well as signs such as cracking or the characteristic WUMM sound. This requires practice and good visibility, as the snowdrift can also be hidden under a layer of fresh snow. The experts therefore recommend avoiding steep terrain with accumulations of wind slabs in order to minimize the risk of avalanche accidents.