Werdenfels Alps

At high altitudes heed snowdrifts and isolated weak layers in the old snowpack.

At high altitudes heed snowdrifts and isolated weak layers in the old snowpack.

The avalanche danger is moderate above 2000m; below it is low. Main problem: older and fresh snowdrifts. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep ridgeline terrain in S/W/N aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Size and frequency increase with ascending altitude and experienced individuals can recognize them easily. In places, avalanches can still be triggered by minimum additional loading such as a single skier; in particular at high altitudes they can grow to medium size. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow, the danger of falling deserves consideration. In addition, at high altitude very isolated slab avalanches can be triggered in the old snow on shady slopes with little snow by large additional loading; in some circumstances they can grow to large size. As a consequence of mild temperatures and a little sun the danger that small loose snow avalanches trigger in steep rocky terrain increases during the course of the day. Besides that small (in isolated cases medium-sized) glide snow avalanches can release on smooth steep grass-covered slopes, in particular in the Allgäu.

In leeward areas small snowdrifts are in places deposited atop older snowdrift accumulations or loose snow layers. Frequently graupel is embedded near the surface. At higher altitudes intermediate layers with faceted crystals are embedded in the old snowpack close to crusts; otherwise the old snowpack is largely compact and stable. The snowpack depths in the terrain vary strongly; gullies and bowls are filled with drifted snow. On the shady side there is often still powder at the surface. A nocturnal thin crust can form in south aspects and at lower altitudes that softens again during the course of the day; thus the snowpack forfeits its firmness. Below 2000m the snowpack base is frequently moist, as a result the snow masses can start gliding.

Due to calm high pressure weather the danger of dry slab avalanches will recede further.