Werdenfels Alps

Large slab avalanches also possible in places at high altitudes. Beware of loose slow avalanches on sunny slopes.

Large slab avalanches also possible in places at high altitudes. Beware of loose slow avalanches on sunny slopes.

The avalanche danger is moderate above 1800m; below that altitude it is low. The main problem are 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 be triggered even 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. At high altitude there is besides that an old snow problem. In particular on shady slopes, isolated slab avalanches can be triggered in patches with little snow and in some circumstances they can grow to large size.Due to solar radiation and warming the danger of small loose snow avalanches releasing in steep rocky terrain increases on sunny slopes during the course of the day. Additionally, isolated glide snow avalanches can release on smooth steep grass-covered slopes.

Spatially limited fresh snowdrifts are accumulated during Monday night; in leeward zones these are deposited brittle atop older snowdrift accumulations or surface hoar. In some places, graupel is embedded near the surface. In the old snowpack at higher altitudes there are weak intermediate layers of faceted crystals close to crusts. The snowpack depths in the terrain vary strongly; in wind exposed places and at lower altitudes it is below average, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim. A nocturnal thin crust can form at lower altitudes and in south aspects that softens again during the course of the night; thus the snowpack forfeits its firmness.

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