Rätikon West

Snowdrift accumulations: assess them with caution

Snowdrift accumulations: assess them with caution

Small-area avalanche prone locations in the form of snowdrift accumulations, esp. in wind-loaded steep terrain, in gullies and bowls, and behind protruberances in the landscape, on shady slopes often triggerable above the treeline by one sole skier and then possibly growing to medium size. Drifts need to be assessed with caution, and they are difficult to recognize when blanketed with fresh snow.

Only a few cm of fresh snowfall. Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations lie deposited esp. on steep shady slopes atop soft layers and are often prone to triggering. The uppermost layers are often still powdery (with the exception of wind-impacted zones), frequently encrusted on south-facing slopes. Also wind-crusts are evident. All in all, the snowpack is predominantly well consolidated.

Dry but often very cloudy skies. A cold front will bring lots of clouds and fog on Thursday. Light rainfall or snowfall and lots of wind. The amounts of fresh fallen snow will be minor. Snowfall level will descend to 1500-1000m. At 2000: +2 to -2 degrees. Brisk to strong SW winds, shifting to westerly as of midday.

Caution: small snowdrifts