Lechtal Alps East

Natural avalanches are to be expected.

The avalanche conditions are very critical.

The large quantity of fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs that are being formed by the storm force wind are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are numerous. Avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. As the precipitation becomes more intense natural avalanches are to be expected. In particular on north and east facing slopes avalanches can be released in the various layers of new snow and reach large size. This applies especially at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In the typical avalanche paths in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation avalanches can in very isolated cases reach very large size. In addition a substantial danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes in all aspects in particular below approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.

Mieming Mountains as well as Karwendel Mountains: More snow than expected has fallen. 80 to 100 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Friday. The wind will be storm force. The westerly wind will transport the new snow significantly. The various wind slabs have bonded insufficiently with each other and the old snowpack. The large quantity of fresh snow and the deep wind slabs that are forming in all aspects will be deposited on soft layers on shady slopes. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

The new snow and wind slabs remain prone to triggering at elevated altitudes. With the end of the intense snowfall, the natural avalanche activity will decrease. Medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes.