Rieserferner Mountains

As a consequence of new snow and stormy weather a considerable avalanche danger will prevail. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and stormy weather a considerable avalanche danger will prevail. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily. Avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep shady slopes above the tree line and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. These places are difficult to recognise. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from variable directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and on steep shady slopes. On wind-loaded slopes individual natural avalanches are possible. As a consequence of solar radiation individual loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses. In addition mostly small gliding avalanches are to be expected, in particular on steep grassy slopes at low and intermediate altitudes.

15 to 25 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. Some snow will fall on Tuesday, especially in the north. Since yesterday the wind has been strong to storm force over a wide area. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack especially on shady slopes. Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes.

The avalanche danger will persist. The wind will be moderate to strong.