Lechtal Alps Central

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. This applies at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. This applies at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger. The older wind slabs can be released, mostly by large loads. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep northwest to north to east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. They are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised in particular in the vicinity of peaks, as well as adjacent to ridgelines. At elevated altitudes these avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. In isolated cases avalanches are large. Dry avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in deep layers by large loads. This applies in particular on extremely steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. Snow sport activities outside marked and open pistes call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.

The wind slabs of the last few days have bonded quite well with the old snowpack. As a consequence of the occasionally strong westerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form during the next few days. These are mostly small and in some cases prone to triggering. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies in particular above approximately 2400 m. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. On sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m only a little snow is now lying. The snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust. This applies in particular on sunny slopes and at low and intermediate altitudes.

The avalanche danger will persist. The wind will be strong in some localities.