Werdenfels Alps

Extensive snowdrift accumulations higher up in the mountains!

Extensive snowdrift accumulations higher up in the mountains!

Avalanche danger above 2200m is considerable, danger below that altitude is moderate. The main problem at high altitude are fresh snowdrift accumulations. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep terrain adjacent to and distant from ridges in N/E/S aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In places, slab avalanches can be triggered even by low additional loading such as by a single skier; they can grow to large size. Size and frequency of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. In addition, small and medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches can release spontaneously in extremely steep intermediate altitude terrain with still sufficient snow. Glide snow avalanches still possible on steep smooth grass-covered slopes. - Glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger! Below 1800m only small avalanches are expected due to the shallow snowpack.

Stormy westerly winds and simultaneously persistent, frequently heavy, snowfall, generate extensive snowdrift accumulations. These bond only poorly with the partly melt-freeze encrusted or icy old snowpack surface. At high altitude, faceted intermediate layers are embedded in the old snowpack. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is largely wet; the water accumulates at the ground. At lower altitudes the ground is becoming increasingly bare.

Due to the forecast calmer weather and mild temperatures the danger of dry avalanches at high altitude will recede. Then wet snow will become the predominant problem again.