Werdenfels Alps

Older still trigger-sensitive snowdrifts getting covered by fresh snow at high altitude

Older still trigger-sensitive snowdrifts getting covered by fresh snow at high altitude

Avalanche danger above 1400 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: gliding snow. On smooth steep grassy slopes in all aspects and in sparsely wooded zones, small naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible. Therefore, avoid slopes with glide cracks. As the snowfall level ascends on Thursday, small wet loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in all aspects on steep slopes. At high altitudes the snowdrift problem persists. Older drifts can still be triggered as medium-sized avalanches in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, particularly by large additional loading.

At intermediate altitudes the snowpack (thoroughly wet down to ground level) has settled, thereby enhancing the gliding of the entire snowpack over smooth ground. By Thursday evening, 10 cm of fresh snow is expected, focus in the west, without much wind impact. The snowfall level will ascend to 1600 m during the daytime, which will lead to a further moistening of the snowpack. The minor amount of fresh snow blankets older drifts at high altitude which can be prone to triggering in isolated cases. The old snowpack is superficially moist up to high altitudes.

Variable conditions will persist, with significantly rising temperatures starting on Friday. Thus, the wet-snow problem will again come to the forefront.