Rätikon West

Fresh and older snowdrifts remain trigger-prone

Fresh and older snowdrifts remain trigger-prone

Pay close heed to freshly generated snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes, they are trigger-prone, can be released by 1 person. Danger zones will increase in both size and frequency as the day unfolds. In addition, on steep shady slopes in high alpine regions the interim layers inside the old snowpack are often trigger-prone. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading there. In high alpine regions the danger zones are more frequent. Backcountry tours require a cautious route selection. Due to warmth and radiation, slides and loose-snow avalanches are possible, esp. on sunny sloes. Below 2600 m, glide-snow avalnches continue to be possible, and can grow to large size where snowfall is heavy.

The fresh fallen snow from the weekend has settled and consolidated. Strong southerly winds have generated new drifts at high altitudes in the typical foehn lanes, lying deposited atop loose layers of the old snowpack or atop blanketed graupel. Bonding is often poor. Below 2200 m the old snowpack is thoroughly moist, wet down to the ground, this reinforces gliding over smooth ground.

Nocturnal hours: mild, dispersed clouds. Wednesday daytime: Scattered clouds in the morning, In afternoon, light-to-moderate snowfall, snowfall level dropping from 2200 down to 1500 m. Fresh snow expected: 10 cm.. At 2000 m: +6 to -2 degrees. Strong southerly winds, in afternoon from W/NW and slackening off.

On Thursday, pleasant conditions initially. In afternoon, light snow showers and intensifying SW winds. Danger of dry-snow avalanches will recede somewhat. Gliding snow activity will persist.