Avalanche warning level 4: danger to life in East Tyrol! How to protect yourself!

Avalanche warning level 4: danger to life in East Tyrol! How to protect yourself!

Osttirol, Österreich - Aktuells in the Alps, especially in Tyrol, there is a serious avalanche risk. For various regions, including the northern Zillertal Alps, the Venice Group and the Großglockner Group, the avalanche warning level 4 (large avalanche danger) was issued. This warning level means that spontaneous avalanches are possible and that large proportions can be uncomplicated. Special caution is now required, since according to dolomitenstadt.at is expected in the higher locations over 2,200 meters.

For Monday, March 31, fresh snow between 50 and 80 centimeters are forecast, which should further tighten the general avalanche situation. According to the weather forecasts of the avalanche warning service, a total of 30 to 50 centimeters of fresh snow are expected in the higher altitudes of the Tyrolean Alps. In addition, the snow border has partially sunk to the valley.

increased avalanche activity expected

A similarly high avalanche danger level of 4 will be issued in particular in the Gurgler Group and Central Stubai Alps from Monday, such as tirol.gv.at Up to 50 centimeters of fresh snow can also fall here. The security councilor Astrid Mair urges all winter athletes to inform themselves about the avalanche situation and to take warnings seriously. During ski tours or journeys away from secured slopes, caution and defensive behavior are advised.

The experts also warn of the possibility that winter sports enthusiasts can trigger avalanches themselves. Christoph Mitterer from the avalanche warning service explains that stormy wind leads to impaired snow snow packages that are located on softer layers. These danger spots are difficult to recognize even for experienced winter athletes.

risk assessment and historical perspective

In general, the risk of avalanches in the Alps is significant. Every year there is fatal accidents, which is why current information about the avalanche danger is essential. In the 2023/24 season, a total of 202 avalanche accidents were registered in Austria, with 14 people lost their lives. The avalanche situation in Tyrol differs significantly from other regions, such as in neighboring Bavaria, where there is currently a lower avalanche danger (level 1), and in Switzerland, where higher threats are sometimes recorded, such as Allgaeuer-zeitung.de informed.

For the safety of winter athletes, daily information can be found in the avalanche report at www.lawinen.report. This is made available online every day at 5 p.m. and contains critical information on the current weather conditions and avalanche.