Deferegger Alps East

The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant in all aspects, especially in areas close to the tree line, and above the tree line. These avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase for a while. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Additionally avalanches can also be released in deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Especially transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are unfavourable. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, in particular on extremely steep sunny slopes. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for defensive route selection.

Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Monday. The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. The snowpack remains quite prone to triggering. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication.

Considerable avalanche danger will prevail. The fresh and older wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. The snowpack remains quite prone to triggering.