Lechtal Alps East

New snow represents the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

New snow represents the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes storm force wind from northwesterly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed. In the last few days the wind slabs have increased in size appreciably. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line. This also applies in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. As a consequence of the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase. In some cases avalanches are large. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. As a consequence of solar radiation loose snow avalanches are to be expected from the late morning, in particular on very steep slopes. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in very isolated cases by winter sport participants, especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. The avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow and reach medium size.

Over a wide area 30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. This applies in particular in the west and in the north as well as in the High Tauern. As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate poor snowpack stability. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.

The danger of dry slab avalanches will persist. On Wednesday it will be very cloudy. Some snow will fall in some localities. The wind will be strong in some regions.