Lechtal Alps East

Fresh wind slabs are mostly shallow but in some cases prone to triggering.

Fresh wind slabs are mostly shallow but in some cases prone to triggering.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, clearly visible wind slabs formed since Sunday in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. This also applies in isolated cases at a distance from ridgelines in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. They are mostly only small but can in some cases be released easily. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep north and east facing slopes. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. 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. On steep grassy slopes individual small to medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. This applies in particular in the west on steep grassy slopes especially below approximately 2400 m.

In the last few days the wind was moderate to strong in the vicinity of peaks. Adjacent to ridgelines on north and east facing slopes mostly small wind slabs formed. These are lying on soft layers. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. These are unlikely to be released now. The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes. 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.

Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.