Lechtal Alps East

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2400 m.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2400 m.

As a consequence of snowfall and the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, a sometimes critical avalanche situation developed during the last few days. The large quantity of fresh snow of the weekend as well as the wind slabs to be found in all aspects can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, above the tree line. Also slopes close to the tree line are unfavourable. Additionally avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size, especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2800 m. The off-piste conditions are critical. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required.

A lot of snow fell in the last few days. Over a wide area 30 to 60 cm of snow, and up to 100 cm in some localities, has fallen. The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering above the tree line. The snowpack will be prone to triggering in areas close to the tree line. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers on wind-protected shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2800 m. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and whumpfing sounds confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack.

In particular in the northwest and in the north some new snow. Hardly any decrease in avalanche danger.