Lechtal Alps East

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and stormy weather. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and stormy weather. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint.

The fresh wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. The avalanche danger will increase but remain within the current danger level. Additionally avalanches can also be released in deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m.

Up to 30 cm of snow will fall on Thursday. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs that are being formed by the storm force northwesterly wind will be deposited on soft layers in all aspects above the tree line. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on surface hoar, in particular in shady places that are protected from the wind. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the existence of a weak snowack.

Restraint is recommended. The new snow and wind slabs remain for the foreseeable future prone to triggering.