Hohe Wasserfalle 3003m - Umhausen-Niederthai

Please note the current snow and avalanche report for the coming days: https://lawinen.report/bulletin/latest 

Avalanche Danger Scale

1 (LOW) An avalanche release is only possible with heavy additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. No spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE) An avalanche release is likely with heavy additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated except on some steep slopes. Cautious route selection on the indicated steep slopes and exposures.

3 (CONSIDERABLE) An avalanche release is already likely with slight additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally some medium, but occasionally also large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover is only moderately to weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment required. Avoid indicated steep slopes and exposures as much as possible.

4 (HIGH) An avalanche release is possible already with slight additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium, and repeatedly also large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. Route choice limited to moderately steep terrain and observing avalanche runout areas. Extensive experience in avalanche assessment required.

5 (VERY HIGH) Numerous large avalanches are expected spontaneously, even on moderately steep terrain. At this warning level, safe operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snow cover is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours.

Ski Touring Rules

• Observe the applicable regulations for all activities in nature and when choosing routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closures, afforestation areas, information panels, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wild animals and avoid feeding places as well as loud noise
• Cross forested areas in winter preferably only on designated trails and routes; animals react very panicked to unlocatable noise.
• Recognize the habitats of wild animals, avoid animals where possible. Observe wild animals only from a distance. Always keep dogs on a leash; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest during the winter emergency period.
• Proper time planning: start early enough and return before darkness falls. In spring, you should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger).
• Never drive through afforestation and young growth areas. 

Ötztal Tourism assumes no liability for the listed tours and recommends taking a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with a rope and in a group.

Before starting a tour, you should inform the valley about your destination and expected return time. The carriage of an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

More information on ski touring in the Ötztal can be found here

The ski tour starts at the Sennhof parking lot (next to the information) in Niederthai. Follow the winter hiking trail slightly ascending along the Horlachbach through the Horlach valley to the Kleinhorlachalm. From there, go left up into the Finstertal and continue to the Hohe Wasserfalle. There you can enjoy the breathtaking view until the descent into the valley begins.