Lechtal Alps East

The fresh and older wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger.

The fresh and older wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger.

As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind from southwesterly directions, further wind slabs will form in the course of the day in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects. Caution is to be exercised in particular on near-ridge slopes above approximately 2400 m. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. As a consequence of the sometimes strong southwesterly wind the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent. Small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized wet and gliding avalanches are possible. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

Over a wide area 5 to 10 cm of snow, and up to 20 cm in some localities, has fallen since yesterday. Up to 2200 m rain fell in the past few hours. As a consequence of the strong southwesterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form in the course of the day. The sleet gave rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2200 m. Shady slopes above approximately 2400 m: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. All aspects above approximately 2400 m: The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.