Tuxer Alps West

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Avalanches can also be triggered in near-ground layers.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Avalanches can also be triggered in near-ground layers.

The wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, on northwest to north to southeast facing aspects. As a consequence of new snow and wind the already large wind slabs will increase in size additionally as the day progresses. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Avalanches can also be triggered in near-ground layers and reach quite a large size. This applies in particular on very steep north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Isolated gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes.

Over a wide area 10 to 15 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until the evening. The wind will be strong to storm force adjacent to ridgelines. As a consequence of new snow and wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. These are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on north and east facing slopes. This applies in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack at high altitude.

Increase in avalanche danger. Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow, and up to 40 cm in some localities, will fall on Monday. The wind will be strong at times.