Werdenfels Alps

Keep distances in steep terrain. Caution where snow is shallow.

Keep distances in steep terrain. Caution where snow is shallow.

Avalanche danger above 1800 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Weak layers are problematic in all aspects. Slab avalanches can trigger even by the weight of one person, especially where the snow is shallow (e.g. edges of wind-loaded gullies). Frequency and size of danger zones increase with ascending altitude. Avalanches can be large sized in isolated cases as high altitudes.

The older snowdrift accumulations from the stormy weather phase are still prone to triggering. On shady slopes the lie in leeward terrain, often atop loose old snow, on sunny slopes atop a melt-freeze crust beneath which are layers of faceted crystals. Also at ground level there are layers of large-sized faceted crystals, particularly on north-facing slopes. Tests show that the stability of the snowpack is poor in those places. In some places the snowpack has settled well and the surface is powdery. On steep, sunny slopes, a thin melt-freeze crust will form on Friday night. Snowpack tests conducted by competent skiers are often helpful in deciding where to ski and where not to.

The persistent weak layer threat abides.