Lechtal Alps East

The backcountry and freeriding conditions are to some extent precarious.

The backcountry and freeriding conditions are to some extent precarious.

The extensive wind slabs of the last few days are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line, this also applies on very steep slopes in areas close to the tree line. In addition further wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls as the day progresses. Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant and reach large size in isolated cases. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. The wind slabs are to be avoided whenever possible. On extremely steep sunny slopes medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. In the event of solar radiation this applies. In addition a substantial danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes in all aspects in particular below approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.

Over a wide area 60 to 80 cm of snow, and up to 100 cm in some localities, has fallen. The storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. Reports filed by observers and avalanches triggered by explosives confirm a sometimes precarious avalanche situation. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated. The snowpack will be moist below approximately 1500 m. Evening and night: Some rain will fall in particular in the west. This applies below approximately 2200 m.

As a consequence of warming there will be a decrease in the danger of dry avalanches within the current danger level. The wind slabs remain in some cases prone to triggering in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. An increasing number of gliding avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming. As a consequence of solar radiation more loose snow avalanches are possible.