Lechquellen Mountains

Caution: fresh and older snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Caution: fresh and older snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

At high altitudes, fresh and older drifts are the main problem. Danger zones increase in size and frequency with ascending altitude. One sole person 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 large size. In steep rocky terrain, loose-snow avalanches are possible in case of more extended bright intervals.

Fresh and older snowdrifts increase in size and frequency with ascending altitude. Inside the fresh snow and drifts of recent days are weak layer with graupel. 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. Superficially triggered avalanches can sweep away the thoroughly wet old snowpack and grow to large size. Not much snow below 1500m.

Nocturnal hours: mostly clear nighttime skies, tempertures hover around zero. Residual clouds will be seldom. Tuesday: sunny, often cloudless skies, but cold. Strong NE winds initially, slackening off later on. At 2000 m: -7 degrees. Strong NE winds, then easing.

On Wednesday, quite sunny in the morning. In the afternoon, clouds will move in. Avalanche danger will slowly diminish.