Tuxer Alps West

Wind slabs represent the main danger. Gliding snow requires caution.

Wind slabs represent the main danger. Gliding snow requires caution.

The fresh wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects. Caution is to be exercised in particular above approximately 2200 m, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can be released easily and reach medium size. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. There is a danger of gliding avalanches and moist snow slides. This applies on steep slopes below approximately 2400 m. 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 in isolated cases.

Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 1000 m. The wind will be strong over a wide area, in particular on the Main Alpine Ridge. As a consequence of new snow and wind from northwesterly directions, further wind slabs will form. More recent 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 fresh wind slabs remain prone to triggering in particular on steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Gradual decrease in danger of gliding avalanches and wet snow slides as the temperature drops.