After the fatal avalanche accidents this week in the Tyrolean lowlands and in the Ötztal – a total of four people were killed – the avalanche danger on the mountains continues to increase. Not only tourers and skiers are warned, but also hikers: “The avalanches can sometimes enter the countryside in steep gullies.”
Rising temperatures in combination with the still large amounts of snow at higher altitudes still lead to an increased risk of gliding and wet snow avalanches in Tyrol. “In the southern part of North Tyrol and East Tyrol, the avalanche danger increases significantly to 3 today, Friday,” the state warned in a press release.
Increased caution when walking
Even though it is already warm in the valley in summer, there is still a risk of avalanche in the mountains that should not be underestimated. Even in supposedly safe areas.
“Currently, medium and sometimes large sliding snow avalanches are increasingly possible, especially on steep, grassy slopes below 2,600 meters above sea level. The avalanches can sometimes enter the countryside through steep gullies. This means that caution is also required when walking. Zones with sliding snow cracks should therefore be avoided,” explains Patrick Nairz, head of the avalanche warning service for the state of Tyrol.
“Very difficult to predict”
According to Nairz, floating avalanches are very difficult to predict. “They always come about spontaneously and without any influence from winter sports enthusiasts or hikers. This is exactly why increased caution is required. The danger also increases during the day and as sunlight increases.”
Four deaths this week in Tyrol
On Tuesday, an avalanche near Bärenkopf in the Tyrolean lowlands swept away a 19-year-old German hiker. He was buried three feet deep and the mountain rescue team could only dig the man out dead. Three Dutch ski tourers died in an avalanche in the Ötztal on Thursday.
Source: Krone
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