Lechtal Alps East

New snow and wind slabs are to be critically assessed.

New snow and wind slabs are to be critically assessed.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from northerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed. These are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. New snow and wind slabs can over a wide area be released by a single winter sport participant. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2200 m. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of loose snow avalanches being released will increase quickly, in particular on very steep sunny slopes. They can in some cases release the saturated snowpack. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day. Gliding avalanches can also occur. This applies on grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.

The fresh snow of the last few days and the wind slabs formed during the snowfall are lying on soft layers in all aspects above approximately 2200 m. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack over a wide area in particular on sunny slopes.

The weather conditions will facilitate a substantial stabilisation of the near-surface layers.