Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Danger areas in the wind slab next to the blown-off areas

Danger areas in the wind slab next to the blown-off areas

The avalanche danger is considerable above 2000 m and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by small additional loads (individual winter sports enthusiasts) and can reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations are located in particular in the north-west, north to south-east facing steep terrain, adjacent to the ridgeline and area distant from ridgelines, behind terrain edges as well as in gullies and bowls. They increase rapidly in size and frequency with altitude from the tree line upwards. Wind slabs often lie directly next to blown-off areas, are easily recognisable and should be avoided at all costs. Cracks and whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack are a sign of danger.

Under the influence of mild air and sunlight, the snow cover, snowpack has settled and become cardboardy up to around 2000 metres. It has at least a thin melt-freeze crust in the morning. Moderate southerly foehn forms fresh, initially still thin wind slab, which is likely to be susceptible to disturbance on the often still soft old snow base leeward. Further weak layers of faceted crystals and deep rime lie in the persistent weak layer below and can be activated occasionally by surface avalanches. The total snow depth is still well below average in many places. Broad ridge and ridges are often completely blown off.

After a slightly cloudy night, Friday will bring good visibility and sunny weather, although some high clouds will cloud the sky. Foehn winds from the south will blow at 40 km/h in exposed areas. At 2000 metres around -3 degrees, at 3000 metres around -4 degrees.

The southerly wind will pick up to 60 km/h on Saturday and will cause an increasing wind slab problem on the northern sides.