The first avalanche situation report for 2023/2024 is tough. The experts of the Tyrolean Avalanche Warning Service expect danger level 3 on Saturday – significant! A serious avalanche accident occurred near the bell tower on Thursday. A Pole (41) was buried there and, after he could be dug out, had to be flown to hospital. His condition is critical.
As a reminder, according to statistics, most avalanche accidents occur at danger level 3. “We will probably have to report significant danger on Friday evening before Saturday,” says Patrick Nairz, the new head of the Tyrolean avalanche warning service. No wonder, because the meteorologists have predicted enormous amounts of new snow throughout Tyrol on Monday evening. Up to two meters of snow can fall in the Arlberg area.
Explorations in the field
Together with forecaster Christoph Mitterer, expert Nairz was already out on Arlberg on Thursday to correctly assess the situation – especially with regard to an old snow problem.
New snowdrifts and wind
“The new snowdrift will be difficult, especially because in addition to the enormous amounts of new snow, the wind will also blow strongly,” Christoph Mitterer describes what mountain enthusiasts can expect this weekend. “In northern locations, an old snow problem could also worsen the situation,” he adds. “Winter sports enthusiasts can easily disrupt the wind plates on steep terrain,” expert Patrick Nairz warns to be very careful. This is also absolutely necessary because many mountain enthusiasts confuse danger level 3 with school grades and often underestimate the situation.
Also be able to use safety equipment
Experience shows that few Tyroleans are prevented from going on a hiking or skiing trip by the bad weather predicted for this weekend. Tyrolean mountain rescue chief Hermann Spiegl advises them not to enter the terrain until they have studied the situation report and mastered the avalanche equipment in their backpack: “LVS device, probe, shovel: you have to be able to handle it. Especially after the summer holidays. In stressful situations during an avalanche accident, every movement must be performed correctly.”
This requires regular training. Several local mountain rescue centers and the Alpine Association are now offering ongoing training in the fall.
First situation report of the season
The first situation report and extensive additional information will be available on Friday from 5 p.m. at www.lawinen.report.
Source: Krone
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