Samnaun Mountains

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Avalanches can reach medium size. In very isolated cases avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep north facing slopes above approximately 2800 m. Avalanches can in isolated cases reach large size. Meticulous route selection is recommended. In addition individual mostly small gliding avalanches are possible. This applies on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.

Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Monday. The wind was light to moderate. New snow is lying on a weakly bonded old snowpack. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Released avalanches and reports filed by observers confirm the existence of a weak snowack especially at elevated altitudes.

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.