Bregenzerwald Mountains

Freshly generated snowdrifts as a result of fresh snow and wind. Small glide-snow avalanches at low altitudes

Freshly generated snowdrifts as a result of fresh snow and wind. Small glide-snow avalanches at low altitudes

Avalanche danger is still predominantly low, moderate in some places at higher altitudes. Isolated avalanche prone locations exist particularly on very steep shady slopes. In addition, fresh snowdrift accumulations are evident in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations increase in spread and size with increasing altitude. Small avalanches can be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast, medium-sized ones with increasing altitude. This must be taken into consideration in all activities in outlying terrain away from secured ski runs. Only small naturally triggered slides and small glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes. Isolated danger zones are found in extremely steep terrain in regions where avalanche danger is low. Winter sports enthusiasts can trigger small slabs or slides in these zones. The risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses.

There was 5-10 cm of fresh snow registered down to intermediate altitudes today. This snow was intensively transported by strong velocity winds in higher ridgeline and pass zones. Thus, small snowdrift accumulations were generated. In high alpine zones of the southern regions, in high altitude zones of the Lechquellen region, and on the Arlberg, there is more snow on the ground. The old snowpack from late autumn is faceted in places, particularly in very steep shady terrain above 2200 m. The uppermost layers of fresh snow and drifts are poorly bonded with the old snowpack beneath them. Below about 1000 m, only a shallow, generally spotty snowpack exists. Skiing tours and activities in outlying terrain at intermediate altitudes are not rewarding. Further information is not yet available.

On Monday night: nighttime skies will be dry, residual clouds will disperse and for a few hours clear skies are expected. Tuesday: influence of intermediate high will bring some sunshine, even more in the central Alps. Further north, shallow cloudbanks may move through the Alps. Temperature at 2000 m: -6 to -3 degrees, brisk westerly high altitude winds.

Wednesday: as a result of a weak cold front, overcast skies will often prevail. In the northern regions a few snowflakes can fall. Further south, more sunshine. Temperature at 2000 m: -7 degrees, brisk W/NW winds at high altitudes. No significant precipitation expected, thus, no change in avalanche danger levels.