Lawinenlagebericht

Caution: trigger-sensitive snowdrifts above treeline, wet-snow + glide-snow avalanches below 2000m

Caution: trigger-sensitive snowdrifts above treeline, wet-snow + glide-snow avalanches below 2000m

Wide ranging fresh and older snowdrift accumulations of recent days are prone to triggering and can be triggered even by the weight of one single skier Danger zones lie especially above the treeline on steep shady slopes, in ridgeline areas, behind protruberances, in gullies and bowls. Older weak layers in the old snow can easily trigger in places on W/N/E facing slopes, particularly in Rätikon, Silvretta and Verwall regions, especially above 2000 m in rarely-frequented terrain in transitions from shallow to deep snow, e.g. entries into gullies and bowls. Triggered avalanches can grow to dangerously large size. Backcountry skiing and freeriding tours demand defensive route selection. Below 2000m, wet-snow avalanches and glide-snow slides can be expected.

Due to higher temperatures there was rainfall up to above 1900m Stormy to gale-strength NW winds generated numerous wide-ranging trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations. Weak layers occur also at mid-level inside the snowpack and are prone to triggering on W/N/E facing slopes. They are undetectable! In Rätikon, Verwall and Silvretta the covering of this layer is shallower, thus easier to trigger. Danger zones are found where the snow is shallow in transitions from shallow to deep snow especially in unfrequented terrain. In addition, superficially triggering avalanches can fracture down to deeper layers and make the avalanches far larger. Beneath 2000m the rainfall and warmth will make the snowpack thoroughly wet, it will thereby forfeit its firmness.

Inhospitable prospects in the mountains. Westerly winds can reach gale strength, thus become a danger in themselves. The peaks will be shrouded in fog with only occasional bright windows. In the barrier cloud regions between Bregenzerwald and Verwall, repeated snowfall and rainfall are possible, intermittently also in the southern regions. The snowfall level will lie at 1900m this morning, descend to 1400m this afternoon. Temperature at 2000 m: dropping from +1 to -3 degrees. Stormy to gale-strength westerly winds at high altitudes.

Friday will be quite mild and windy. Saturday morning a cold front will reach us. Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly.