Lechtal Alps East

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind from southwesterly directions, further wind slabs will form in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh and older wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily, even 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 shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. The avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. An increasing number of small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized wet and gliding avalanches are possible as the moisture increases. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow. These avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Avalanches can reach medium size.

The rain gave rise to slight moistening of the snowpack in particular in the Allgäu Alps and in the Western Lechtal Alps below approximately 2200 m. The southwesterly wind will transport the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. Shady slopes above approximately 2200 m: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Steep sunny slopes: The old snowpack consists of rounded crystals and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.