Lechtal Alps East

New snow requires caution. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

New snow requires caution. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes storm force wind from northwesterly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed. Since Monday the wind slabs will increase in size appreciably. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in many places be released, even by a single winter sport participant. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase a little. These can in isolated cases release deeper layers of the snowpack. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in very isolated cases by winter sport participants, especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. The avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow and reach medium size. As the snowfall level rises individual mostly small gliding avalanches and wet snow slides are possible.

As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. 10 to 20 cm of snow will fall. The strong wind will transport the new snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate poor snowpack stability. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. The rain will give rise as the day progresses to gradual and thorough wetting of the snowpack in particular below the tree line.

On Thursday it will be mild. As a consequence of mild temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise. These spring-like weather conditions will give rise to rapid softening of the snowpack in particular at low and intermediate altitudes. Some snow will fall from the afternoon.