Tuxer Alps West

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from westerly directions, small wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh wind slabs are prone to triggering. Avalanches can in some cases reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially unfavourable. On steep grassy slopes more gliding avalanches are possible, even medium-sized ones. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow. These avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.

Some snow has fallen thus far. Up to 1700 m rain will fall in some regions. The westerly wind will transport the new snow. Shady slopes: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Steep sunny slopes: The old snowpack consists of rounded crystals and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.