Lechtal Alps East

Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2000 m. Gliding snow at intermediate altitudes.

Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2000 m. Gliding snow at intermediate altitudes.

Avalanches can be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on steep slopes above approximately 2000 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. The fresh snow and the isolated winds slabs that are forming can be released by a single winter sport participant. Avalanche prone locations are to be found above the tree line and in areas close to the tree line. As the snowfall becomes more intense the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent as the day progresses. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. On steep grassy slopes small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. In the regions exposed to rain this applies in particular.

Up to 1600 m rain has fallen since yesterday. Over a wide area up to 20 cm of snow will fall from midday. The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers. This applies especially in places that are protected from the wind. In its middle, the snowpack is faceted and weak. This applies in particular above approximately 2000 m, and below approximately 2600 m. Field observations confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Over a wide area 15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Friday. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind there will be an increase in the avalanche danger. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.