Werdenfels Alps

In the higher elevations there are weak layers near the surface.

In the higher elevations there are weak layers near the surface.

The avalanche risk is moderate above 2200 metres and low below that. Persistent weak layers are problematic. The few avalanche prone locations are in very steep terrain in the north-west, north to north-east aspects. Slab avalanches can be triggered with little additional load and usually remain small. In rare cases, snow slabs can be triggered with a large additional load, for example by a small, superficial avalanche, in deep-lying weak layers and then reach medium size.

Sunlight can trigger small, wet loose snow avalanches from extremely steep terrain.

On shady slopes at higher altitudes (above 1500 m), weak layers can be found under older wind slabs in some places. At higher altitudes, soft layers close to the ground consist of larger, angular, sometimes rounded faceted crystals. The overlying old snowpack is well stabilised. The little new fallen snow becomes moist with the sunlight and loses firmness. In shady, wind-protected areas at high altitudes, it remains powdery. Overall, there is little snow and the south-facing slopes are thinning out more and more.

With new fallen snow and stormy winds, the avalanche risk increases in the second half of the week.