Zillertaler Alpen Nordost · 16 January 2026

Day Risk Profile

Low

below 2000m

Moderate

above 2000m

Avalanche Problems

Above 2000 m

Moderate (2) Dry avalanches · all day

Wind slab Slab 2

N, NE, E, W, NW

above 2000m

Medium Some Poor

GM.6 GM.5

Field notes

Look for fresh snow deposits on Slope facing downwind/ wind sheltered aspect. Snow deposits can attain several times average snow depth.EAWS glossary, in Usually a steep, elongated, eroded trench; typically prone to snowdrift accumulation.EAWS glossary and Rounded or elongated concavity; typically tending to accumulate snowdrift.EAWS glossary, and behind ridgelines and abrupt changes in terrain — these are where the wind has loaded the snow into slabs that are easy to trigger. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks under your weight, and Distinctive noise (resembling a “whumpf” sound) occurring when a weak layer beneath a slab collapses. The air of the weak layer is forced outside the snowpack, with the resulting whumpf sound being heard. The sound usually indicates an unstable situation and can be accompanied by surface cracking. A whumpf is a clear avalanche alert.EAWS glossary sounds are clear confirmations of the problem. The safest move is to avoid wind-loaded terrain entirely. NB wind signs alone don't always mean an avalanche problem exists, and the age of drifted snow is hard to judge.

Source: SLF Avalanche Bulletin Interpretation Guide

Avalanche Activity

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

The somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant. The Locations delineated by aspect or altitude where avalanches can trigger and people or objects are at risk.EAWS glossary are to be found in particular on west to north to east facing Direction in which a slope faces as indicated by compass direction of the fall line; i.e. a north slope faces in a northerly direction.EAWS glossary above approximately 2000 m. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also on steep south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in Usually a steep, elongated, eroded trench; typically prone to snowdrift accumulation.EAWS glossary and Rounded or elongated concavity; typically tending to accumulate snowdrift.EAWS glossary, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In particular in shady places that are protected from the wind avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach medium size. Distinctive noise (resembling a “whumpf” sound) occurring when a weak layer beneath a slab collapses. The air of the weak layer is forced outside the snowpack, with the resulting whumpf sound being heard. The sound usually indicates an unstable situation and can be accompanied by surface cracking. A whumpf is a clear avalanche alert.EAWS glossary sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary can indicate the danger. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

Outlook

Constant avalanche danger

17 January 2026

Wind slabs are to be avoided.

Snowpack & Weather

Snowpack

The wind slabs are easy for the trained eye to recognise but prone to triggering. They are bonding only slowly with the Snow layers deposited from earlier precipitation, prior to fresh fallen snow. Old snow layers consist of metamorphosed snow crystals.EAWS glossary. The old snowpack consists of Snow grains, solid, with multiple flat glassy faces and sharp edges. Developed from faceting metamorphism, usually poorly bonded to one another (fewer contact points), a critical factor in avalanches if a faceted layer is covered with bonded snow. Typical grain size: 0.5 to 3 mm See also: www.snowcrystals.itEAWS glossary. Steep south facing slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a Layer of hard-compacted snow resulting from a melt-freeze process or wind.EAWS glossary formed on the surface. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones. The Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary will be generally subject to considerable local variations.

Source

ALBINA

Issued

15 Jan 16:00 UTC

Valid until

16 Jan 16:00 UTC

Next update

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Schedule

Off-schedule