Allgäu Alps Central

Carefully assess the snowdrifts at high altitudes

Carefully assess the snowdrifts at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above the timberline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. Danger zones are found in steep ridgeline terrain on NW/E/SE slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Small slab avalanches can be triggered even by one single winter sports enthusiast Apart from this, inside the old snow at higher altitudes, medium slab avalanches can be triggered, in some places even by one sole winter sports enthusiast in the snowy gullies and bowls. Glide-snow avalanches can unleash on steep grass-covered slopes and the rainfall can trigger small loose snowslides.

10-20 cm of fresh snow, below 1500 m some rainfall, atop the shallow, very cold snowpack. Above 1300 m, 30-60 cm of snow, more in some gullies and bowls. Small snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop faceted and loose layers plus surface hoar. In addition, inside the old snow are layers of faceted crystals, poorly bonded snow between crusts. Wherever rain fell on the snowpack, thin layers of ice can form. In some places the snowpack is moist down to the ground, which enhances gliding movements of the whole snowpack.

Little change in avalanche danger levels is anticipated.