Lechtal Alps East

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant above the tree line. The fresh wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. They are to be avoided as far as possible. Caution is to be exercised in all aspects in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In addition further very occasional gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. In isolated cases the gliding avalanches are quite large, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

As a consequence of a gathering strong wind from northwesterly directions, further wind slabs will form in the course of the day. The fresh wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers. They are unlikely to be released now. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

The fresh and older wind slabs remain in some cases prone to triggering.