Deferegger Alps East

As a consequence of new snow and wind a sometimes precarious avalanche situation will prevail.

As a consequence of new snow and wind a sometimes precarious avalanche situation will prevail.

The fresh snow and the wind slabs that are being formed by the storm force northwesterly wind represent the main danger. Avalanches can be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Avalanches can additionally be released in the weakly bonded old snow also, in particular on steep shady slopes. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. They are to be found in all aspects above the tree line, especially on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as on wind-loaded slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high) the avalanche danger is higher. In the regions with a lot of snow gliding avalanches and snow slides are possible. The current avalanche situation calls for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.

Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Monday. The wind will be strong to storm force. The fresh snow and the wind slabs that are being formed by the northwesterly wind will be deposited on soft layers. In the course of the day the wind slabs will increase in size once again. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted, especially on wind-protected shady slopes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack.

The snowpack remains prone to triggering. As a consequence of the sometimes storm force wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally on Tuesday.