Samnaun Mountains

Outside marked and open pistes a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2100 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. In addition the fresh wind slabs of the last few days in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some locations. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. The avalanche situation is a little more favourable in highly frequented terrain.

Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong to storm force at times. The snowpack will be prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on surface hoar. Distinct weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. Reports filed by observers and released avalanches confirm the distinct avalanche danger.

Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger. Thursday: As a consequence of new snow and wind a dangerous avalanche situation will persist.