Bregenzerwald Mountains

Rising avalanche danger above the treeline due to fresh snow and wind

Rising avalanche danger above the treeline due to fresh snow and wind

Above the treeline, fresh snowdrifts are accumulating. They are often prone to triggering and easily triggered as a slab avalanche. Their magnitude and spread tend to increase with ascending altitude. Avalanche headquarters currently has little data from outlying regions about the snowpack, for that reason a cautious on-site evaluation is important. Below the treeline, avalanche danger is low. Isolated danger zone for small triggerings (slides) are possible in steep terrain. The risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall need to be considered.

Up to intermediate altitudes, the shallow snowpack has been weakened by rainfall. During the coming night of partially clear skies, it will regain firmness. By Saturday evening, an additional 5-10 cm of fresh snow is anticipated, to be transported by winds. Above the treeline, and with ascending altitude, particularly in ridgline and pass areas, fresh and initially small snowdrift accumulations will be generated. They are prone to triggering in ridgeline zones and, in particular, in steep wind-loaded gullies and bowls.

In the latter part of the night, heavy cloud cover will move in. On Saturday morning, clouds will dominate. Bright intervals are possible. In the afternoon, precipiation will set in from the west, the snowfall level will descend from 1700m down to low lying areas by the end of the day. Temperature at 2000m: -4 to +1 degree. High altitude winds: in high alpine regions and in foehn-exposed regions: brisk to strong SW winds.

As a result of some fresh fallen snow and wind influence, avalanche danger can rise further by Sunday.