Tuxer Alps West

New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

The large quantity of fresh snow as well as the widespread extensive wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. These are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Additionally avalanches can also release deeper layers of the snowpack and reach large size. This applies in particular on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on steep, little used west and east facing slopes above approximately 2600 m. As a consequence of the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase in particular on steep sunny slopes. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of loose snow avalanches being released will increase quickly, in particular on very steep sunny slopes. They can in some cases release the saturated snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day. Gliding avalanches can also occur. This applies on grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.

The fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs formed during the snowfall are lying on soft layers in all aspects above approximately 2200 m. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack over a wide area in particular on sunny slopes. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack especially on little used west, north and east facing slopes. This applies on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on west and east facing slopes above approximately 2600 m.

The weather conditions will facilitate a substantial stabilisation of the near-surface layers.