Tuxer Alps West

The off-piste conditions are precarious.

The off-piste conditions are precarious.

The danger exists in particular in alpine snow sports terrain. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force northwesterly wind, extensive wind slabs formed in the last few days in all aspects. Avalanches can be released easily. In some places avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach a dangerous size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent. They are to be found in all aspects above the tree line, also on steep west, north and east facing slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as below the tree line. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase a little on very steep sunny slopes. As a consequence of solar radiation more frequent natural avalanches are possible. In the regions with a lot of snow gliding avalanches and snow slides are possible. The current avalanche situation calls for very extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.

Over a wide area 30 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The wind was storm force over a wide area. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on wind-protected west, north and east facing slopes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. The weather conditions will cause a weakening of the snowpack as the day progresses in particular on very steep sunny slopes.

The avalanche danger will decrease gradually. The snowpack remains prone to triggering.