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 sometimes strong wind from northerly directions, further wind slabs will form in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised on near-ridge slopes. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. The somewhat older wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. In little used backcountry terrain the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are especially unfavourable. Small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible.

As a consequence of the occasionally strong northerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular above approximately 2400 m.

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Until Monday the weather will be cold. These weather conditions will prevent a rapid stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.