Dienten Mountains

Isolated trigger points for slab avalanches + glide-snow problem

Isolated trigger points for slab avalanches + glide-snow problem

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. The most recent snowdrift accumulations can be triggered even by one person in unfavourable terrain and grow to medium-sized slab avalanches. Danger zones occur mostly in ridgeline terrain and pass areas as well as behind abrupt discontinuties in the terrain on W/N/NE facing slopes. In the foehn lanes this could also apply to east-facing gullies which were filled laterally by winds with drifts. Danger zones are easily recognized and should be circumvented. In addition, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches of medium size are possible on steep grassy slopes in all aspects, mostly in south-facing terrain, below 2400 m. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided whenever possible.

Temperatures have risen noticeably, the weekend drifts (north-facing slopes atop loose snowpack) have settled further, the proneness to triggering has receded. Fresh snow and drifts from last weekend are well bonded with the old snowpack. In south-facing terrain a thin melt-freeze crust on steep slopes has formed. In other aspects on leeward slopes there is good powder, Isolated: the snowpack glides away over very steep, mostly sunny grassy slopes from the ground.

On Sunday, clouds to start with, then dispersing. In the Northern Alps in particular and in the Radstadt Tauern, minor snowfall is possible, later on dry. At 2000 m: from -2 to +1 degree. Winds will not disturb.

Ongoing incremental decrease in danger of slab avalanches.