Lechtal Alps East

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released even by individual winter sport participants. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m, as well as on very steep east and west facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. As the day progresses the likelihood of avalanches being released will increase a little. Fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m, especially adjacent to ridgelines. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. On steep grassy slopes more frequent small gliding avalanches are to be expected.

Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2000 m, as well as on west and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Over a wide area 25 to 40 cm of snow has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 1800 m. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind, extensive wind slabs formed. These are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The solar radiation will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack especially at low and intermediate altitudes. The meteorological conditions will bring about a slight weakening of the snowpack as the day progresses.

Thursday: Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of warming.