Lechquellen Mountains

Caution: fresh drifts blanket weak old snow layers.

Caution: fresh drifts blanket weak old snow layers.

With ascending altitude, fresh and older snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering. One single winter sports enthusiast can trigger slab avalanches. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, and behind drops in the terrain. Triggered releases can sweep away more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack and grow to medium size. Such danger zones are not visible, particularly on steep shady slopes. Activities in backcountry demand careful evaluation of the terrain and the avalanche dangers, as well as restraint. On sunny slopes, small loosely-packed slides can trigger naturally during the course of the day.

The 15-20cm of fresh snow and snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes from recent days lie deposited on top of a weak old snowpack surface, especially on steep shady slopes. In some ridgeline zones, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and behind sharp drops in the terrain, freshly generated snowdrifts have accumulated which are prone to triggering.

During the morning, very sunny mountain weather is anticipated. In the afternoon, clouds will move in from the west, dampening the sunshine. As evening approaches, brief, light snowfall is possible around the Arlberg. Skies during the night into Saturday will then be star-studded. Temperatures will be wintery cold, no wind is expected. At 2000m: -5 degrees; at 3000m: -12 degrees. Light, predominantly westerly winds at high altitudes.

Avalanche danger will recede only gradually.