Lechtal Alps East

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.

The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases in particular on very steep north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. As a consequence of new snow and wind the prevalence and size of the avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. By the evening danger level 3 (considerable) will be reached above approximately 2000 m. The fresh wind slabs are to be found in all aspects. Avalanches can reach medium size. In addition individual medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large gliding avalanches are possible. This applies on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. On extremely steep slopes individual dry loose snow avalanches are possible, but they will be mostly small.

20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Monday. Friday: 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until late in the night. The wind will be strong in some cases. As a consequence of new snow and wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in some places. They are lying on soft layers above approximately 2000 m. The old snowpack is moist and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a resilient melt-freeze crust. This applies on sunny slopes in all altitude zones, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2600 m.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Gliding snow requires caution.