Werdenfels Alps

Snow cover tests can indicate avalanche prone locations.

Snow cover tests can indicate avalanche prone locations.

The avalanche risk is considerable above 2000 metres and moderate below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Slab avalanches can be triggered with little additional load. This is especially possible in shady steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines at high altitudes and on windward slopes. Avalanches can become large.

On individual, very steep, sunny slopes, medium-sized gliding avalanches can release themselves.

Some new fallen snow is falling on a snow surface that is powdery in the shade and crusted can form on the sunny side. In the upper metre of the snowpack, weak intermediate layers below a thin ice lense and graupel are embedded in places. In windward areas, the snow is bonded and prone to triggering. The snowpack base is compact and largely stable. Deep-lying layers of faceted crystals are difficult to disturb. On the south side, the snow is often wet towards the ground. Sliding movements on smooth ground are possible.

With the forecast new fallen snow and wind, the avalanche risk will increase again in the next few days.