Tuxer Alps West

New snow and wind slabs require caution. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day.

New snow and wind slabs require caution. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day.

As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northerly wind, easily released wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular above the tree line, but in isolated cases also on wind-loaded slopes below the tree line. In all aspects the wind slabs will increase in size moderately as the day progresses. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized and can be released easily even by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. In particular on wind-loaded slopes and in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation natural avalanches are possible. Snow sport activities outside marked and open pistes call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.

Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Saturday. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The wind will be strong at times. The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on soft layers above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. An increasing number of loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of solar radiation, especially on extremely steep slopes.