Werdenfels Alps

Danger zones on leeward slopes

Danger zones on leeward slopes

Avalanche danger above 1500 m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Main problem: snowdrifts. Danger zones occur near to and distant from ridges in steep terrain, gullies, bowls on N/E/S facing slopes. Also in forest clearances, drifts can be deposited. Frequency of danger zones increases as the day progresses. Slab avalanches can be triggered even by 1 person, and reach medium size. In addition, gliding snow activity is increasing. Glide-snow avalanches can release at any time of day on very steep smooth slopes naturally, at all altitudes and in all aspects. Avalanches tend to remain small. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

At high altitudes the snowpack is highly varied. In east and south-facing terrain, snowdrifts have been generated in recent days; on northern and wind-protected slopes the powder snow is loose, atop a compact snowpack. By Friday, lots more fresh snow is anticipated. Older snowdrifts and loose powder will be covered by fresh fallen snow, transported by stormy gusts. Bonding between the layers is poor. In zones where the snow is warm and deposited on a cold surface, faceted layers can form. Below the snowfall level, rain is seeping into the snowpack, the fresh snow adds a large weight load to this. The result: gliding snow over smooth ground.

Persistent snowfall: avalanche danger levels increasing.