Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Instable snowdrift masses in nearly all directions!

Instable snowdrift masses in nearly all directions!

CONSIDERABLE snowdrift problem, mostly above the treeline in the foehn lanes, otherwise above 2000m. In exposed zones there are numerous avalanche prone locations: gullies, steep bowls in all directions. Avalanches can be triggered even by the weight of one sole person and grow to dangerously large size.

Strong westerly winds on the weekend have generated snowdrift accumulations near to and distant from ridgelines. The W/NW winds were blowing, sometimes winds were southerly. Snowdrifts in all directions! Exposed terrain is windblown, gullies and bowls filled to the brim. The drifts are deposited atop a base of cold powder, making them easy to trigger. A fresh layer of “champagne powder” now blankets the wind indicators. More deeply embedded weak layers are not a problem currently, merely a soft layer beneath the last melt-freeze crust, currently not a risk.

On Monday, poor visibility. Fog will be heavy. Repeated bouts of snowfall (10-15 cm in 24 hrs). NW winds at 30 km/hr above the treeline. Cold. At 2000 m: -10 degrees; at 3000 m: -12 degrees. Tuesday: low lying clouds until midday, then they will begin to disperse swiftly. Moderate northerly wind, higher temperatures.

On Tuesday, little change. In the coming days avalanche danger will decrease due to sun and higher temperatures.