Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Southerly winds can generate fresh snowdrifts in high alpine zones

Southerly winds can generate fresh snowdrifts in high alpine zones

Avalanche danger is MODERATE above 2500 m, below that altitude danger is LOW. Brisk southerly winds can generate fresh snowdrift accumulations, mostly shallow but caution is necessary in very steep ridgeline terrain in shady north-facing slopes. Precisely these are the zones where a persistent weak layer still threatens. Isolated small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches will occur. Avoid glide cracks, extremely steep grassy slopes and smooth rock plates.

The snowpack layers are well bonded with each other, deeply embedded weak layers in the old snow (faceted crystals, bordering on melt-freeze crusts) are unlikely to trigger. Most weak layers occur in transitions to ground level. At low altitudes there is hardly any snow on the ground. At intermediate altitudes the slopes are becoming bare. At high and high-alpine altitudes, melt-freeze crusts dominate, a bit of powder is still to be found.

On Friday, intermittent sunshine amid scattered clouds. Visibility will deteriorate towards evening, rainfall/snowfall will set in. Snowfall level will lie at 1600 m. At high altitudes, brisk westerly winds. At 2000m: -1 degree; at 3000 m: -7 degrees.

The avalanche situation will change on the weekend. Winter is returning for a brief spell, with freshly generated snowdrift accumulations.