Tuxer Alps West

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies in particular between approximately 1600 and 2500 m, in isolated cases also on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Avalanches can reach dangerously large size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The small wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering at elevated altitudes, especially adjacent to ridgelines on very steep shady slopes. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.

Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on west, north and east facing slopes between approximately 1600 and 2500 m, in isolated cases also on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack in particular on steep southeast, south and west facing slopes.

A sometimes treacherous avalanche situation will persist. Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.