Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

Beware of fresh and snow-covered wind slabs in combination with persistent weak layers

Beware of fresh and snow-covered wind slabs in combination with persistent weak layers

The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 m and low below. On slopes of all aspects, medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. Surface-triggered avalanches can tear through to deeper layers. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 1800 metres. Danger areas increase with altitude, some of them are barely recognisable and require a defensive choice of route. Take particular care near transitions from little to much snow, behind terrain edges and in the entrance areas to steep gullies and bowls. Cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate danger.

During the daytime changes, up to 15 cm of new fallen snow falls, which is extensively transported. Fresh and older, over-snowed wind slabs overlay soft layers of faceted crystals and deep frost. In wind-protected, shady areas above around 2000 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in to some extent. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space with overall snow depths that are well below average.

The night starts off slightly cloudy. However, the clouds of a warm front soon gather and it starts to snow after midnight. There is a strong southerly wind blowing at up to 80 km/h. On Monday, visibility will be repeatedly restricted by clouds, fog and snowfall. The snowfall level will rise by midday to around 1000 metres. The sun will stay out longest around midday. In the morning the wind will still be blowing strongly from the south, during the day it will remain strong and shift to the west. A total of 10 to 15 cm of new fallen snow. At 2000 m around -5 degrees, at 3000 m around -11 degrees.

As the snowfall continues, snowdrift accumulations grow.