Gailtal Alps East

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow by a single winter sport participant. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 1800 m. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. In addition the mostly small wind slabs in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.

Less snow than expected has fallen in some regions. 5 to 10 cm of snow will fall. The snowpack is unfavourably layered. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 1800 m. As a consequence of a gusty southerly wind, soft wind slabs formed. These are lying on surface hoar in particular on wind-protected shady slopes.

The new snow of Thursday will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering.