Samnaun Mountains

Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the old snowpack. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the old snowpack. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases by winter sport participants in particular in little used terrain. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Avalanches can reach medium size. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind, clearly visible wind slabs will form on Sunday adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The fresh wind slabs are mostly only small but can be released easily. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form on Sunday in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas as well as at elevated altitudes. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers in particular on north and east facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. These can be released in isolated cases. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.