Werdenfels Alps

Avoid trigger-sensitive snowdrifts

Avalanche danger will recede on the weekend thanks to calmer weather.

Avoid trigger-sensitive snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Snowdrifts are the main problem. These can be triggered as slab avalanches even by the weight of one sole skier. Avalanche prone locations occur in steep ridgeline terrain in N-E-S aspects, in places also distant from ridgelines behind slope discontinuities as well as in gullies and bowls. Frequency and size of danger zones increase with ascending altitude. Avalanches tend to be to medium-sized. Additionally possibility of glide snow avalanches on steep grass-covered slopes at any time. Below 1500 m they are generally small; above that altitude they can reach medium size, in isolated cases they can reach large size in the Allgäu. In addition, smaller wet loose snow avalanches can also release on very steep slopes due to rainfall.

New fallen snow and wind will generate fresh snowdrift accumulations during the course of the day. Weak layers are embedded within the snowdrifts and at transitions from older snowdrifts to the old snowpack surface. At intermediate altitudes the old snowpack surface was mostly moist to wet, therefore bonding with the snowdrifts is mostly better than at high altitudes. At intermediate altitudes the snow cover is moist, wet down to ground layers, resulting in gliding movements over the smooth ground. Melt-freeze crusts and marked boundary layers are disintegrating more and more. At lower altitudes the ground is becoming increasingly bare. There is barely any snow below 1400 m.