Allgäu Alps West

Slight increase in avalanche danger due to fresh snowfall

Slight increase in avalanche danger due to fresh snowfall

Avalanche danger will rise to modearte above 2200m due to fresh snowfall and wind. Small-area snowdrifts are increasingly prone to triggering with ascending altitude. Danger zones occur in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In zones where there has been rain impact, small wet-snow avalanches are possible on steep slopes which have not yet discharged. In isolated cases, also small glide-snow avalanches are possible. Particularly in the Silvertta above 2600m, small to medium-siozed avalanches can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts by large additional loading. Such danger zones lie in little-tracked, shady backcountry terrain and are difficult to recognize.

During mild nights of clear skies, the snowpack can freeze only slightly and in some places form a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads. At high altitudes, 10-25cm of fresh snow is anticipated. Due to intermittently moderate-strength westerly winds, small snowdrift accumulations will be generated afresh. In zones with rain impact, the already thoroughly wet snowpack will be weakened another notch. Particularly in the Silvretta at high altitudes on very steep shady slopes, unfavorable intermediate layers are evident inside the snowpack.

A cold front will bring dense cloud cover and initially heavy rainfall, snowfall level dropping to 1500m. In the latter part of the night, precipiation will slacken off significantly. Clouds and intermittent precipitation on Thursday will limit visibility in the mountains. Snowfall level at 1700m. At 2000m: -1 degree. Light to moderate westerly winds.

On Friday, conditions will be variable, cool, with intermittent snowfall down to 1600m. Regionally, avalanche danger can increase somewhat at high altitudes.