Lechtal Alps East

Wind slabs and gliding snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and gliding snow represent the main danger.

The extensive wind slabs of the last few days must be evaluated with care and prudence on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. Avalanches can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant and reach dangerously large size. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. The clearly visible wind slabs are to be avoided whenever possible. On extremely steep sunny slopes medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. In addition a substantial danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes in all aspects in particular below approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.

The weather will be very mild. The weather conditions will bring about a slow stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines. Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated. The snowpack will be moist below approximately 2000 m. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to gradual moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes.

As a consequence of warming there will be an additional decrease in the danger of dry avalanches. Fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Gliding avalanches are to be expected. As a consequence of solar radiation individual moist loose snow avalanches are possible.