Werdenfels Alps

Danger zones increase as day unfolds in high altitude zones

Danger zones increase as day unfolds in high altitude zones

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E facing slopes, behind discontinuities in the terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, releases small-to-medium sized. Slabs can be triggered by 1 person, e.g. a skier. Solar radiation triggering mostly small loose-snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain naturally. In isolated cases small glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep grass-covered slopes.

Monday night will have often clear skies, a thin melt-freeze crust can form. On high shady slopes the snow is still dry. Southerly winds will generate new snowdrift accumulations, deposited atop soft layers and prone to triggering, which increases with ascending altitude. The uppermost layers of the snowpack below a melt-freeze crust are still triggerable. Older snowdrifts are generally well bonded with the old snowpack. Due to warmth and radiation the snow is moistening, losing its bonding, can release as a loose-snow avalanche. The old snowpack is compact and stable, thoroughly moist, wet down to the ground. At low altitudes the slopes are nearly bare of snow.

Mild temperatures and rainfall will place the wet-snow problem in the foreground at mid-week. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.