Since the snowfall of 12-13 January we have had an (initially) extremely dangerous and (now) a thoroughly delicate avalanche situation in far-reaching parts of North Tirol and in northern East Tirol. Currently, the alarm signals continue for winter sports enthusiasts: whumpf noises, fracture cracks, some remote triggerings and isolated naturally triggered avalanches. Moreover, snowpack analysis shows that the weak layers which were generated during the phase of low temperatures are still easily triggered. These are crystal-clear indicators of a high Danger Level 3 (“Considerable”) - what we call a “tense 3.”
Numerous avalanches involving persons
In addition, since the end of the cold phase, headquarters has received numerous reports of avalanches involving persons. Until yesterday, 19 January, no one had been injured. Today, 20 January, however, someone need to be resuscitated and brought to the hospital (avalanche accident Wanglspitze) and a further person suffered injuries (avalanche accident Rossgruberkogel). A list of the recent avalanches can be viewed at LAWIS.
Avalanche accident Wanglspitze
Tomorrow, 21 January, we will examine on-site the accident below the Wanglspitze together with the Alpine Police. Further information and a comprehensive review of this last week will be published tomorrow (21 January) in a new blog.
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| Wanglspitze in the eastern Tux Alps on 20.01.2021. The avalanche was triggered when someone was in the descent. The person was completely buried, needed to be resuscitated and flown to the hospital. (photo: 20.01.2021) |
