Werdenfels Alps

Isolated snowdrifts accumulate at high altitudes

Isolated snowdrifts accumulate at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: fresh snowdrifts. Isolated danger zones are found in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/S aspects as well as in freshly wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Even a single skier can trigger small slab avalanches. The perils of being forced to take a fall in steep terrain exceed those of being buried in snow masses. Wherever there is still enough snow, medium-sized glide snow avalanches can release spontaneously in steep terrain at any time. Due to solar radiation the fresh snow can trigger in steep rocky terrain as small loose snow avalanches.

In the Bavarian Alps the snowpack has strongly diminished and is completely soaked even up to highest altitudes. During Tuesday night snow showers will deposit a bit of new snow which will be transported by fierce westerly wind, in particular at higher altitudes. At high altitudes small snowdrift accumulations are generated which can be prone to triggering. At intermediate altitudes the small quantities of new snow are  deposited directly on the warm ground which becomes rapidly bare again, or they bond well with the wet old snowpack.

Weather conditions will remain variable. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.