Werdenfels Alps

Persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main danger: weak layers in the old snowpack can be triggered, most easily in transitions from shallow to deeper snow, e.g. at entries into steep gullies and bowls. Releases can grow to medium size, enough to bury a person in snow masses if more deeply embedded layers fracture, particularly on N/E facing slopes in ridgeline zones. In addition, on steep rocky slopes and extremely steep grass-covered slopes where the snow is sufficient, small wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. Most wet-snow activity can be expected on south-facing slopes at high altitude.

At high altitude the snowpack is highly varied. Wind compacted and melt-freeze encrusted surfaces alternate with soft, moist snow. On shady slopes the snowpack is often riddled with faceted crystals near deeply embedded melt-freeze crusts. These occur at varying depths of the snowpack and are prone to triggering especially where the snowpack is shallow. Otherwise the snowpack has stabilised and settled over the last few days. Below 1400 m the ground is mostly bare of snow, fragments at intermediate altitudes are usually melt-freeze encrusted and, on shady slopes in particular, icy. Below 1400 m the ground is mostly bare of snow.

Avalanche danger will continue to diminish.