Werdenfels Alps

Avoid snowdrifts and zones below glide cracks.

Avoid snowdrifts and zones below glide cracks.

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by 1 person. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain and wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Slab releases can reach medium size. On very steep smooth slopes, isolated medium-sized glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.

As temperatures drop the wet snowpack will stabilize. On south-facing slopes the small amounts of fresh snow will fall on bare ground up to high altitudes. On shady slopes, atop a surface-wide snowpack above 1700 m. Bonding to the old snowpack surface is generally good. Gusty winds from varying directions will generate new drifts. Soft weak layers can occur inside these fresh drifts.

As temperatures rise again and sunhine prevails, slab avalanche danger will quickly recede. Wet-snow will again become the problem.