Tuxer Alps West

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies in particular in particular above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 m, in isolated cases also on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Avalanches can reach large size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Over a wide area avalanche prone wind slabs will form. These are to be bypassed as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. Avalanches can in isolated cases penetrate deep layers. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.

Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 m, in isolated cases also on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow. The fresh and older wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. The rain gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies the snowpack can not consolidate.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection.