Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

Loss of firmness due to solar radiation

Loss of firmness due to solar radiation

Avalanche danger is initially LOW, then rises to MODERATE during the day. On sun-drenched steep slopes, naturally or skier-caused small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches are possible. Also glide-snow avalanches (medium-to-large) are possible on steep grass-covered slopes. At high altitudes there are danger zones due to fresh snowdrifts behind protruberances and in gullies, increasingly in NW to N to E facing slopes, where even low additional loading can trigger a small slab. Very few danger zones exist in the shallow-snow transitions (persistent weak layer). There, large additional loading can trigger a slab avalanche which can reach medium size.

At low and intermediate altitudes the moist snowpack is encrusted, often capable of bearing loads. During the daytime it softens, depending on gradient and aspect. On steep sunny slopes the snowpack loses its firmness. On very steep grassy slopes the snowpack can glide away over the ground. At high altitudes lies 10-20 cm of melt-freeze encrusted snow, on shady slopes atop faceted old snow which is often poorly bonded. Beneath the superficial melt-freeze crusts are soft, faceted crystals (persistent weak layer) which are unlikely to trigger for the moment.

On Saturday night, clear skies, although foehn wind will hamper the cooling. During the daytime on Sunday, unimpaired sunshine, strong southerly winds (30-50 km/hr). At 2000 m: -5 to -2 degrees; at 3000 m: -8 degrees. On Monday following a night of clear skies, unimpaired sunshine, top visibility, extremely dry air. Initially, winds will be moderate to strong from the south, later on they will slacken off and shift to northeasterly. At 2000 m: -1 to +1 degree; at 3000 m: -6 degrees.

Due to very dry air, delayed loss of firmness and only a slight daytime danger cycle on Monday.