Lawinenlagebericht

Snowpack softens with varying rapidity depending on radiation, steepness, aspect

Snowpack softens with varying rapidity depending on radiation, steepness, aspect

In early morning low avalanche danger prevails for a short time. As a result of strong southerly winds during the night, small snowdrift accumulations are generated at high altitudes which should be avoided - particularly because of the risks of being forced to take a fall. Due to warmth and solar radiation, the danger of wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches rises to moderate as of late morning, particularly on steep sun-drenched slopes where there is no wind impact. Naturally triggered medium, some large-sized wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches are possible during the course of the day, especially on steep sunny slopes below 2600m. Zones below glide cracks in the surface should be avoided. Wet-snow avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier and reach medium size. Backcountry tours should start early, end early.

Following a night of partly cloudy to star-studded skies, the snowpack was able to stabilize and form a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads. Below the crust, however, the snowpack is thoroughly wet and even the base is often wet up to high altitudes. On very steep slopes this furthers the gliding movement of the entire snowpack. During the day the snowpack softens with varying rapidity depending on gradient and aspect, further losing firmness. In the classic foehn-exposed zones there will be southerly wind, which slows the softening process.

Only light wind, except for the moderate southerly foehn in the classic zones. Probably very sunny this morning, this afternoon some convective cloud build-up is expected. It will remain dry. Skies will be clear on Sunday night. At 2000 m: -2 to 0 degrees. Light to moderate winds from varying directions.

The next few days will bring typical springtime conditions, including a daytime avalanche danger cycle.