Lechtal Alps East

For those venturing off piste a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.

For those venturing off piste a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.

The large quantity of fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs can be released very easily above the tree line. Avalanches can be triggered in near-surface layers. Additionally in some places avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach large size, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. In addition gliding avalanches are possible, especially on cut and grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m. As a consequence of solar radiation loose snow avalanches are to be expected. This applies in particular on very steep slopes in places that are protected from the wind.

40 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday. The wind has transported the new snow significantly. Extensive wind slabs formed. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack above the tree line. The old snowpack will be weakly bonded, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes in high Alpine regions.

Some snow will fall over a wide area. Avalanches can as before be released easily.