Lechtal Alps East

The fresh and older wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger.

The fresh and older wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger.

As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form in the course of the day in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects. Caution is to be exercised in particular on near-ridge slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. As a consequence of the sometimes strong westerly wind the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent. Up to 2400 m rain will fall from late morning. For this reason the likelihood of gliding and wet avalanches will increase during the day. Small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized wet and gliding avalanches are possible. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

Over a wide area 5 to 10 cm of snow, and up to 20 cm in some localities, has fallen since yesterday. As a consequence of the occasionally storm force westerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form in the course of the day. Shady slopes: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Steep sunny slopes: The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on a crust.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.