Warning level 3 in Tyrol

After fatal avalanches: now it’s getting even more dangerous

On Tuesday, a 19-year-old died under an avalanche on the Bärenkopf (picture). There were three fatalities in the Ötztal on Thursday.(Bild: zoom.tirol)

After the fatal avalanche accidents this week in the Tyrolean lowlands and in Ötztal - a total of four people died - the avalanche risk on the mountains continues to rise. Not only ski tourers and skiers are warned, but also hikers: "The avalanches can sometimes penetrate steep gullies right into the green."

The rising temperatures in combination with the still large amounts of snow at higher altitudes continue to lead to an increased risk of sliding and wet snow avalanches in Tyrol. "In the southern part of North Tyrol and East Tyrol, the avalanche danger level rises to 3 - considerably - today, Friday," the province warned in a press release.

Increased caution also when hiking
Even though it is already summery warm in the valley, there is still an avalanche danger in the mountains that should not be underestimated. Even in supposedly safe areas.

Caution is also required when hiking. Zones with sliding snow cracks should be avoided.

Patrick Nairz, Leiter vom Lawinenwarndienst des Landes Tirol

"Currently, medium and occasionally large sliding snow avalanches are possible, especially on steep grassy slopes below 2600 meters above sea level. The avalanches can sometimes penetrate steep gullies right into the green. This means that caution is also required when hiking. Zones with sliding snow cracks should therefore be avoided," explains Patrick Nairz, Head of the Avalanche Warning Service of the Province of Tyrol.

The deadly avalanche in Ötztal on Thursday.(Bild: Polizei Tirol)

"Very difficult to predict"
According to Nairz, sliding snow avalanches are very difficult to predict. "They always release spontaneously and without the influence of winter sports enthusiasts or hikers. This is why increased caution is required. The danger also increases during the course of the day and with increasing sunlight."

Four fatalities this week in Tyrol
On Tuesday, an avalanche on the Bärenkopf in the Tyrolean lowlands swept a 19-year-old German hiker into the depths. He was buried one meter deep and the mountain rescue team could only dig him out dead. On Thursday, three Dutch ski tourers died in an avalanche in the Ötztal.