Lechtal Alps East

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from southwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form on northwest, north and east facing slopes. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The avalanches are rather small. These places are and are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls.

Over a wide area 5 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. As a consequence of a strong wind from southwesterly directions, further wind slabs will form. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. On sunny slopes at low and intermediate altitudes hardly any snow is lying. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. The wind will be strong to storm force over a wide area.