Werdenfels Alps

Snowdrift accumulations growing and higher up sometimes weak old snowpack

Snowdrift accumulations growing and higher up sometimes weak old snowpack

Above the timberline avalanche danger is moderate in the morning and rises to considerable during the course of the day. Below the timberline avalanche danger is low. Main problem: fresh snowdrifts. Slab avalanches of medium size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading, i.e., the weight of one sole skier. Avalanche prone locations are found on steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines in N/E/SW aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and size of danger zones will increase as the day unfolds.At high altitudes the old snowpack also contains intermediate layers that are prone to triggering. Especially in the shade slab avalanches can partly be triggered by large additional loading; they can grow to medium size.

The old snowpack surfaces at higher altitudes in south aspects frequently consist of melt-freeze crusts not capable of bearing loads; in north aspects powdery terrain alternates with wind crusts. Layers consisting of expansively metamorphosed snow crystals are embedded in the old snowpack and are prone to triggering. At intermediate altitude, surface hoar has formed in many places. With wind becoming increasingly brisk and the onset of snowfall, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations will be generated during the course of Monday morning.

Rising avalanche danger due to new fallen snow and wind.