Lechtal Alps East

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can be released easily by individual winter sport participants especially in little used terrain. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. The avalanche situation is more favourable in highly frequented off-piste terrain. The more recent wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering above approximately 2200 m. They are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise.

5 to 15 cm of snow will fall until late morning. The wind will be light to moderate. The fresh wind slabs of the last few days will be covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. They are lying on surface hoar in some places, in particular in places that are protected from the wind above approximately 2200 m. Above the tree line: Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. Field observations and avalanches triggered by explosives confirm the existence of a weak snowack.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind. Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow will fall on Monday. The wind will be strong in some cases. As a consequence of the precipitation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase. The conditions are unfavourable for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities.