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 in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. In particular above approximately 2200 m the prevalence and size of these avalanche prone locations will increase. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint. In addition the more recent wind slabs of the last few days in particular adjacent to ridgelines are capable of being triggered in some cases still. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are to be expected on steep grassy slopes, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. On extremely steep sunny slopes individual mostly small moist loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.

Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. The more recent wind slabs are lying on soft layers on west to north to east facing aspects at elevated altitudes. The weather will be mild. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to moistening of the snowpack on sunny slopes.

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. On steep grassy slopes small to medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.