Lechtal Alps East

New snow represents the main danger. Gliding snow requires caution.

New snow represents the main danger. Gliding snow requires caution.

As a consequence of new snow and strong wind more frequent slab avalanches are to be expected. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches in many places. In some places these can penetrate even deep layers and reach large size. Such avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore barely recognisable. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered and natural avalanches are possible. A substantial danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m. In the course of the day the activity of gliding avalanches will increase. As a consequence of the rain wet loose snow slides are to be expected, in particular on extremely steep slopes at low and intermediate altitudes. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released especially by large additional loads in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. This applies on very steep slopes above approximately 2200 m. Avalanches can reach large size.

Over a wide area 40 to 60 cm of snow will fall above approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force westerly wind, extensive wind slabs will form. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in all aspects at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular above approximately 2200 m. The rain will give rise to increasing and thorough wetting of the snowpack over a wide area in particular at low and intermediate altitudes.

Gradual decrease in avalanche danger as the snowfall eases.