Tuxer Alps West

The avalanche conditions are to some extent precarious. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

The avalanche conditions are to some extent precarious. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach large size. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. In particular above approximately 2200 m the prevalence and size of these avalanche prone locations will increase. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint. In addition the sometimes new snow-covered wind slabs of the last few days in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls are easily triggered in some locations. On shady slopes the likelihood of avalanches is higher. Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are to be expected on steep grassy slopes, in the regions exposed to a lot of new snow in particular in the north. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. On extremely steep sunny slopes more small to medium-sized dry loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.

The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. The weather will be mild. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes.

The snowpack remains prone to triggering. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint.