Lechtal Alps East

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant above the tree line. This also applies in areas close to the tree line. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. They are to be avoided as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls in all aspects. They are quite prevalent. Avalanches are medium-sized. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls. In addition further very occasional gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. In isolated cases the gliding avalanches are quite large, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

In some regions 10 to 15 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form in the course of the day in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. These are mostly rather small but prone to triggering. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

The fresh wind slabs remain for the foreseeable future prone to triggering.