Lechtal Alps East

Wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.

Wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.

The avalanche-prone wind slabs of the last few days are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2200 m. Especially shady slopes are unfavourable. Avalanches can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Meticulous route selection is recommended. Very steep slopes are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls. On extremely steep sunny slopes small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized dry loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of solar radiation. In addition further individual 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.

The conditions are wintry. 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The wind was moderate to strong at times. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. The sometimes new snow-covered wind slabs of the last few days are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack on shady slopes. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations above the tree line. Low and intermediate altitudes: Towards its base, the snowpack is moist and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a crust.

The new snow-covered wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. They remain in some cases prone to triggering at elevated altitudes.