Pre Alps

Strong winds: trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitudes

Strong winds: trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitudes

Avalanche danger is low. Due to strong-to-stormy westerly winds, fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations are being generated. Danger zones occur in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and size of these zones increase with ascending altitude. Small-to-mediuim sized avalanches can be triggered by one person. The risks of falling need consideration, esp. on hard, icy steep slopes, despite being blanketed by fresh snow. A cautious route selection is advised. Danger of glide-snow avalanches. Circumvent glide cracks.

The current situation is characterized by highly variable snowpack surfaces: wind-compressed and icy, but also powder. Crests and ridges are utterly windblown or have a hardened crust. Old and fresh snowdrift accumulations often lie deposited on a loose snowpack and are prone to triggering. The old snowpack is stable by and large. The warm and moist ground is making the snowpack glide downhill, although this activity has receded.

Nocturnal hours: Until midnight, light cloud or clear skies with good outgoing radiation, then cloud cover will move in. Friday daytime: Strong foehn wind and compact cloudbanks, light snowfall in the afternoon. At 2000 m: -6 to -3 degrees. Strong SW winds.

Friday night intensifying precipitation and dropping snowfall level. Over the weekend, intermittent snowfall of moderate intensity. Avalanche danger will rise with these conditions.