Tuxer Alps West

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach large size. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase a little also on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation only isolated mostly small wet avalanches are possible.

Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies especially above approximately 2000 m. Towards its surface, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be quite good. The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to slight softening of the snowpack in particular on very steep sunny slopes.

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches as before. Slight increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.