Lechtal Alps East

The fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2200 m.

The fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2200 m.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong northeasterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in some places. The fresh and older wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Avalanches can reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Caution is to be exercised, including in areas close to the tree line. Additionally avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack. These avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Meticulous route selection is advisable.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from easterly directions, further wind slabs will form. The fresh and older wind slabs are mostly small but in some cases prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Field observations show that the stability of the snowpack varies greatly within a small area.

Considerable avalanche danger will persist.