Werdenfels Alps

Beware of small trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations at high altitude!

Beware of small trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations at high altitude!

Avalanche danger is generally moderate, but rises to considerable at intermediate altitudes during the second half of the day. Main problem: wet snow. At intermediate altitudes the danger of naturally triggering wet loose snow and slab avalanches in steep rocky terrain and wind-loaded starting zones rises during the second half of the day due to heavy rainfall. Avalanches are mostly medium-sized. On steep smooth grass-covered slopes the snowpack can also slide over the ground, especially where the ground has been bare before the recent snowfall. Glide snow avalanches can grow to medium size. Therefore, stay clear of terrain below glide cracks. In addition, even a single person engaged in snow sports can trigger fresh snowdrifts as slab avalanches at high altitude. Avalanche prone locations are found in particular in steep ridglineline terrain in N/E/SW aspects, but also behind abrupt changes in the terrain distant from ridgelines as well as in freshly wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanches are mostly medium-sized.

Strong westerly breezes at high altitude transport the loose snow and generate small, but trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations. Weak intermediate layers embedded in older snowdrift accumulations are gradually bonding. However, they can still be triggered at transitions from deep to shallow snow. At intermediate altitudes, rainfall will intensify in the second half of the day and will thoroughly moisten the uppermost already wet snow layers. As a consequence the snowpack forfeits its firmness at the boundary layers and a the ground.

The next few days will be variable and wet. Winds will be brisk. The avalanche situation remains tense.