Werdenfels Alps

Slab avalanches can still release on their own.

Slab avalanches can still release on their own.

The avalanche risk is high above 1800 metres and considerable below that. The main problem is the large amount of new fallen snow from the past week. Slab avalanches can be triggered in all aspects and altitudes by a small additional load. In very steep terrain at higher altitudes, they can also detach themselves. In extremely steep, rocky terrain, the new fallen snow is released in the form of loose snow avalanches. Avalanches can become large and penetrate as far as the flats.

Wet snow is also problematic. Due to the rainfall up to 1800 m, spontaneous loose snow avalanches of medium size can be expected from very steep terrain. On steep slopes with smooth ground, such as on meadow slopes, rock slabs or in gappy deciduous forests, gliding avalanches can be expected below open snow pockets. Exposed transportation routes can be hit by wet avalanches.

Snowdrift accumulations can be found in all aspects. At higher altitudes, they often lie on graupel, old surface hoar, soft intermediate layers or in the area of thin crusts on faceted crystals. Above 1800 m, there are weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on shady slopes. Up to around 1800 m, the snowpack becomes soaked through rainfall. At medium altitudes, the base of the snowpack is usually wet.

The avalanche situation remains tense.