Samnaun Mountains

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on very steep east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind, wind slabs will form over a wide area. These can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, especially adjacent to ridgelines. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. As a consequence of the rain mostly small wet snow slides and avalanches are possible below approximately 1800 m. Individual small loose snow avalanches are possible.

Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow will fall on Tuesday above approximately 1800 m. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind, extensive wind slabs will form in particular adjacent to ridgelines on northwest, north and east facing slopes. These are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. The rain will give rise to increasing and thorough wetting of the snowpack at low and intermediate altitudes.

Wednesday: In some regions some new snow. Wind slabs require caution.