Werdenfels Alps

Beware blanketed snowdrifts and naturally releasing loose snow avalanches

Beware blanketed snowdrifts and naturally releasing loose snow avalanches

Avalanche danger above 1800 m is considerable, danger below that altitude is moderate. Main problem: new snow which can release naturally in very steep terrain in all aspects as loose snow avalanches or be triggered by by a single skier. Where the new snow has bonded due to wind, it can also be triggered as slab avalanches by minimal additional loading. Avalanche prone locations occur on steep N/E/Sing slopes adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in and wind-loaded gullies and bowls Avalanches tend to be to medium-sized. It is possible that medium-sized glide snow avalanches trigger naturally on steep grass-covered slopes that have previously been bare of snow.

During the last few days up to one meter of new snow has fallen in places at high altitude. Due to the now strong diffuse or direct incoming radiation the large quantities of new snow koose bonding and can be released as loose snow avalanche in steep terrain. In addition, stormy wind has generated snowdrift accumulations that are prone to triggering and partly blanketed again. At this time of the year the snow tends to settle comparatively fast and at lower altitudes becomes rapidly thoroughly moist. The snowpack base is alrady becoming wet again. Gliding movements of snow masses over smooth ground are the consequence.

On Monday, avalanche danger will recede thanks to longer precipitation pauses.