Deferegger Alps East

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2200 m and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided especially in steep terrain. Additionally in very isolated cases avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized. Meticulous route selection is recommended.

On Friday the wind will be strong over a wide area. The wind will transport the fresh and old snow. The small quantity of fresh snow and the wind slabs to be found especially adjacent to riddgelines are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind. The old snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.

As a consequence of snowfall and the storm force northerly wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size at the weekend. In the north and in the northeast the avalanche danger is higher.