Tuxer Alps West

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Fresh wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from southwesterly directions, further wind slabs will form in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. The fresh wind slabs can in some cases be released easily. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow. These avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Avalanches can reach medium size.

In some regions up to 10 cm of snow fell in the last few days. The wind will transport the snow. Shady slopes: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. Steep sunny slopes: The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.