It was the eighth avalanche victim in Tyrol within days: The 54-year-old, who was buried by snow masses in Niederthai in the Ötztal on Monday, was fatally hit by a so-called remote triggering – a danger that many winter sports enthusiasts do not have on their radar. A year ago, five people died in Spiss (Landeck district) from remote-induced avalanches.
Although there was a fair amount of danger (level 3), the 54-year-old ski tourer from the Tyrolean Oberland felt safe on Monday in the relatively flat Wannenkar near Niederthai. Because the rule of thumb says: on level 3, slopes from 35 degrees are taboo – the Wannenkar only has about 30 degrees in this area.
“Of course, this rule of thumb only applies to a limited extent,” says Rudi Mair, head of the Tyrolean avalanche warning service. “Under certain circumstances you can trigger an avalanche even on seemingly unsuspected terrain.” That is exactly what happened to the 54-year-old. The snow masses thundered down on him from the steep flanks.
“It’s the Worst Thing There Is”
This phenomenon, which only occurs on a few days in winter, is called “remote triggering”. “It’s the worst there is,” warns Sellrain avalanche expert Lukas Ruetz. The prerequisite for this: a huge old snow problem, as is currently the case in Tyrol.
Continuous weak low
“If there is a persistent weak layer in the steep terrain, a break in the snow cover will continue on the flat to the steep slopes above,” explains avalanche guru Mair. The result: a devastating remote journey.
Memory of last year’s tragedy
A year ago this phenomenon was also the death of the mountain guide in Spiss who died in an avalanche with four guests. The group was already on level ground when the “White Death” thundered over the steep flanks in the distance.
How tricky the avalanche situation in general is, is apparent from an unfortunate accident in Verwall on Wednesday. There, five ski tourers narrowly escaped the “White Death”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
