Tuxer Alps West

New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

The fresh and older wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant above the tree line. Such avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can reach medium size. Avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack and reach large size, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. In addition small and medium-sized loose snow avalanches are possible, in the event of prolonged bright spells especially on extremely steep slopes.

Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The sometimes strong wind has transported the fresh and old snow. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack will be weakly bonded in some places, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes in high Alpine regions.

New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.