Gurgler Group

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack necessitate caution.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack necessitate caution.

The fresh wind slabs will become increasingly prone to triggering. They can be released easily by a single winter sport participant in particular on west to north to southeast facing aspects above the tree line. Avalanches can also reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are present in all aspects. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche danger is higher. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered in near-ground layers. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of the new snow more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected. On very steep grassy slopes individual gliding avalanches are possible, but they will be mostly small.

10 to 20 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of a strong wind from westerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs will form. The fresh snow and in particular the extensive wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack especially on west to north to southeast facing aspects. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on a crust on steep sunny slopes and generally at intermediate and high altitudes. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

Further increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind. Over a wide area 15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.