Allgäu Alps West

Heed fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Heed fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

At high altitudes partly moderate, but mostly low avalanche danger prevails. Fresh snowdrift accumulations on steep shady slopes are prone to triggering. Danger zones lie behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. They increase in frequency with ascending altitude and over the course of the day. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of falls needs to be taken into consideration. Weak layers inside the old snowpack are triggerable in very isolated cases by large additional loadin. They are found esp. on very steep NW/N/NE facing slopes above 2500 m and in transitions from shallow to deeper snow. In areas with rain impact, slides and small wet avalanches can be expected.

On shady slopes at high altitudes there is still powder or surface hoar. On south-facing slopes at high altitudes there is a melt-freeze crust or wind-pressed surfaces. Fresh snow and drifts are poorly bonded with the old snowpack surface with increasing altitude. On very steep shady slopes in particular, unfavourable intermediate layers are evident. Rainfall is causing a loss of snowpack firmness.

Rain and snow showers will extend into the afternoon, though slackening off. Snowfall level at 1500-1800m, thereafter clouds will begin to disperse, visibility improve, it will become sunny. At 2000m: +1 degree; strong to stormy westerly winds, later easing.

Friday will bring more serene conditions. Avalanche danger levels could increase due to fresh snow and wind.