Tuxer Alps West

Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided.

Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided.

As a consequence of a freshening southerly foehn wind, mostly small wind slabs will form. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above the tree line, in the regions exposed to a lot of wind in particular. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach medium size. This applies in particular south of the Inn.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong southerly foehn wind, wind slabs will form on Sunday. The mostly shallow wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack. Towards its surface, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. This applies on shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Wind slabs require caution. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.