Increased triggerings – more danger zones due to more wind

On the weekend, particularly yesterday on 14.01.2024, increasingly frequent triggerings were reported to headquarters. One avalanche on the north flank of Geierköpfe in the Ammergau Alps was fatal. Two ice climbers were caught by an avalanche, one person did not survive the fall. In all the triggerings, a fresh and easily recognized snowdrift problem prevailed. The releases were mostly small, some medium-sized.

Main danger: freshly generated snowdrifts

In far-reaching parts of Tirol, avalanche danger above the timberline is moderate. In the eastern Lechtal Alps danger is considerable due to many more danger zones (some fresh snow plus brisk winds).

Caution: fresh drifts which are deposited atop surface hoar or on expansively metamorphosed, loosely-packed surfaces of decomposed and faceted crystals are extremely prone to triggering! Caution urged especially in forest clearances and above wooded zones, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes.

*Avalanche warning levels map for Monday, 15.01.2024. Main danger: snowdrifts.*

*Fresh snow forecast for 16.01.2024. More snowfall expected in the west.*

*The decisive factor is the intensifying wind. Loose snow on the surface will be easily transported.*

*Wind at 3000 m for 15.01.2024 at 3:00 pm – intensifying from south to north.*

*Surface hoar as potential, highly trigger-prone weak layer. Pangert, northern Zillertal Alps (photo: 14.01.2024, © Stefan Zewen)*.

Avalanche incidents and events

Avalanche fatality, western Geierkopf

Two ice climbers climbed into the first part of the ice-climbing route on the northern flank of the western Geierkopf. From there they continued, roped up together, to reach the upper terrain. A slab triggered and swept both persons along. The rope got caught on a rock spur during their fall, preventing them from plummeting over the cliff just below. One of the ice climbers suffered mortal injuries, the second escaped with unknown injuries.

*Fatal avalanche incident on northern flank of western Geierkopf in the Ammergau Alps north of Lake Plansee. The scene where it occurred is encircled. © tiris*.

Other avalanches

A lone winter sports enthusiast was ascending towards Nesselwängler Scharte when a slab triggered 50 m above him. The person was swept along, got caught in a tree. Winter sports enthusiasts above him observed the avalanche and called the emergency service, then skied immediately to the not-buried but injured person who was flown to the Reutte hospital in the helicopter with thorax injuries.

*Avalanche Nesselwängler Scharte (encircled) © tiris*

*Avalanche Kuhmöser in the eastern Tux Alps. One person was swept along, escaped without injuries. (photo: 14.01.2024 © Roland Mayrhofer)*.

*Avalanche Hillarykreuz in the western Tux Alps (photo: 14.01.2024 © Jakob Poppeller)*.

*Avalanche Lachenscharte in the Allgäu Alps near the Austrian border (photo: 14.01.2024 © Simon Götz)*.

Outlook

Things are going to remain a bit windy. Frequency of avalanche prone locations will increase. Circumvent fresh and recently generated drifted masses in steep terrain. Pay close heed to the dangers of being swept along, even by small releases in steep terrain.