Tuxer Alps West

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on very steep sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. They are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for a certain restraint. As a consequence of a sometimes strong southwesterly wind, easily released wind slabs will form in particular in the regions exposed to the foehn wind. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes. The avalanche prone locations are rather rare but are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. Shady slopes: The upper section of the snowpack is faceted and its surface consists of surface hoar. Steep sunny slopes: The surface of the snowpack is frozen, but not to a significant depth.

Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. On steep grassy slopes small to medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. 10 to 15 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong northwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form. Fresh wind slabs require caution.