Lechtal Alps East

Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2200 m. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2200 m. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Single winter sport participants can release avalanches. These can penetrate even deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. This applies in particular adjacent to ridgelines in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2200 m. They are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size once again. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and on steep shady slopes. The prevalence of these avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Caution and restraint are advisable.

Over a wide area 5 to 15 cm of snow fell on Sunday. The strong wind will transport the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. The snowpack will be in most cases subject to considerable local variations. Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the old snowpack. This applies especially between approximately 2000 and 2400 m, as well as on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist deep in the old snowpack especially at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. They are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution. The avalanche danger will persist.