Lechtal Alps East

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow of the last few days represent the main danger. Avalanches can in many places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in all aspects in areas close to the tree line as well as above the tree line. Wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. As a consequence of the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase a little. Avalanches can additionally in isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow also. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on extremely steep shady slopes and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. They are very rare but are difficult to recognise. Careful route selection is recommended. As a consequence of solar radiation more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, especially on extremely steep slopes.

As a consequence of new snow and wind from variable directions, extensive wind slabs formed in all aspects, in particular in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.

In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. The weather conditions will bring about a slow strengthening of the snow drift accumulations.