Lechquellen Mountains

Caution: weak layers and older snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Caution: weak layers and older snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Danger zones increase in size and frequency with ascending altitude, esp on steep shady slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Large additional loading can trigger mostly small avalanches in steep ridgeline terrain, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Superficially triggered avalanches can sweep away the thoroughly wet old snowpack and grow to larger size.

The snowpack is well consolidated in the morning, softens only slowly. Fresh and older snowdrifts increase in size and frequency with ascending altitude. Inside the fresh snow and drifts of recent days are weak layers. Bonding deteriorates with ascending altitude. The fundament is moist up to high altitudes, the snowpack can glide over the smooth ground. As temperatures drop the danger of wet-snow avalanches recedes. A melt-freeze crust has formed beneath the fresh snow. Not much snow below 1500m.

Nocturnal hours: overcast skies, some rainfall and snow showers above 1000 m. Saturday: poor visibility due to low lying clouds, only occasional bright intervals. Minor snow showers, increasing in afternoon and evening. At 2000 m: -5 degrees. Light N/NE winds.

Sunday will be instable with a bit of sunshine. It is expected to remain dry. Light winds, cold. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.