Werdenfels Alps

Snow still powdery only on high-altitude shady slopes

Snow still powdery only on high-altitude shady slopes

Avalanche danger above 2200m is moderate in the morning, rises in the afternoon from low to moderate at all altitudes. Snowdrift accumulations are the major problem, esp. on sunny, extremely steep slopes where slab avalanches can trigger naturally. Frequency of danger zones increases during the course of the day. Avalanches can grow to medium size. In some places, snowdrifts can trigger a slab avalanches by large additional loading. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, releases can reach medium size. On very steep grass-covered slopes and on very steep smooth ground, glide-snow avalanches can be expected, these can reach medium size in isolated cases.

A thin melt-freeze crust forms during the nighttime hours, then softens swiftly in the morning sunshine. During the day, mild temperatures up to high altitudes are moistening the snowpack, causing it to forfeit its firmness. Older snowdrift accumulations have consolidated somewhat. In many places graupel is embedded which can be prone to triggering. Snow is still powdery only on high-altitude shady slopes. At intermediate altitudes the fresh fallen snow was frequently deposited on moist ground which was previously bare of snow. Gliding movements are possible.

Temperatures will drop on the weekend, the snowpack will stabilize somewhat.