Werdenfels Alps

In some places at high altitude weak layers persist in the old snowpack!

In some places at high altitude weak layers persist in the old snowpack!

Avalanche danger at high altitudes is moderate; at altitudes lower than that it is low but rises to moderate even below 2000 m in line with the daytime danger cycle. The main problem still stems from weak layers in the old snowpack. In a few places in steep N/E facing ridgeline terrain slabs can in particular be triggered by large additional loading, especially in zones with shallow snow such as at the entry points of steep gullies. Avalanches attain medium size. Danger of naturally triggering medium-sized superficial wet-snow avalanches increasing during the course of the day due to solar radiation and daytime warming. Isolated medium-sized glide snow avalanches can be expected on smooth steep grass-covered slopes. Glide cracks indicate danger.

At intermediate altitudes the snowpack has generally settled well and solidified in the morning. In particular on sun-drenched slopes a melt-freeze crust forms during the night which softens again during the day. Due to solar radiation and daytime warming the uppermost snow layers near the surface are becoming thoroughly moist and thus forfeit their firmness. On sunny slopes the ground is becoming bare up to high intermediate altitudes. At higher altitudes, in some places intermediate weak layers consisting of expansively metamorphose (faceted) crystals have persisted at ground level but also in the upper half of the snowpack which are still prone to triggering.

During Thursday night the weather will change with onset of precipitations and wind. Until then, the avalanche situation will not change significantly.