Lechtal Alps East

Outside marked and open pistes a very dangerous avalanche situation will prevail. Natural avalanches are to be expected in the second half of the day.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Avalanches can be released in deep layers and reach large size. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Such avalanche prone locations are prevalent barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Fresh avalanches and whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. The extensive wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase from midday. As a consequence of new snow and wind natural avalanches are to be expected. Avalanches triggered by explosives and reports filed by observers show a very dangerous avalanche situation. Snow sport participants with little experience in the assessment of avalanche danger should remain on the open pistes.

Over a wide area 40 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. 15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Thursday. The wind will be strong in some cases. The snowpack will be prone to triggering. Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. The various wind slabs have bonded insufficiently with each other and the old snowpack. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint.