Werdenfels Alps

Circumvent trigger-sensitive drifts

Circumvent trigger-sensitive drifts

Avalanche danger above 2000m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. These can trigger a medium-sized avalanche by one sole skier/snowboarder. Avalanche prone locations occur in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gulles and bowls. The snowdrift accumulations are easily recognized for the practiced eye. At lower altitudes the slab avalanche releases are small, larger higher up. Possibility of medium-sized glide-snow avalanches on steep smooth grass-covered slopes in all aspects, releases mostly small, but occasionally medium-sized.

In all aspects, also distant from ridgelines, snowdrift accumulations have been generated, mostly well bonded with the old snowpack surface. But inside the drifts themselves are isolated soft intermediate layers and graupel. The old snowpack base is stable and moist-to-wet at intermediate altitudes. Terrain at intermediate altitudes which is exposed to wind and sun are often bare of snow, only with only a thin covering. In wind-protected terrain there is 10-20 cm of powder.

Avalanche danger levels expected to diminish