Lechtal Alps Central

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from northerly directions, mostly small wind slabs formed on Monday at elevated altitudes. The fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence in steep terrain. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. This applies in particular above the tree line. In very isolated cases avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

On Monday the wind was moderate to strong over a wide area. The wind has transported the fresh and old snow. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above the tree line. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.