Lechtal Alps East

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

The fresh snow and the wind slabs that are forming during the snowfall are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above the tree line. Avalanches can in many places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. On steep grassy slopes medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible as a consequence of the new snow, especially on sunny slopes below approximately 2400 m.

20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Friday. The strong wind will transport the new snow significantly. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. The old snowpack remains subject to considerable local variations at high altitude. Within the snowpack, there are multiple melt-freeze crusts sandwiches with faceted layers in between, in particular on steep sunny slopes in all altitude zones, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2600 m.

The fresh wind slabs remain prone to triggering. More frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, even medium-sized ones, in the event of solar radiation especially on extremely steep sunny slopes. The activity of gliding avalanches will increase, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2400 m.