Tuxer Alps West

Weakly bonded old snow and wet snow represent the main danger.

Weakly bonded old snow and wet snow represent the main danger.

Distinct weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. Winter sport participants can release avalanches in many places. These can reach large size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on slopes above approximately 1800 m. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also on southeast, south and southwest facing slopes above approximately 2800 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in little used terrain, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Whumpfing sounds serve as an alarm indicating the danger. In their paths avalanches can entrain the wet snow. This extends the avalanche runout distances. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more wet avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2400 m. In particular on steep, rather lightly snow-covered east and west facing slopes the wet avalanches can penetrate even deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. In addition gliding avalanches are possible. This applies especially on cut and grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.

The weather will be very mild over a wide area. The snowpack remains prone to triggering over a wide area. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. Steep sunny slopes: The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust and will soften during the day. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to extreme and thorough wetting of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m.

Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated critically. As the day progresses the likelihood of wet avalanches being released will increase.