Allgäu Alps Central

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations on the Main Allgau Ridge

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations on the Main Allgau Ridge

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: the freshly generated snowdrift accumulations. Slab avalanches reaching medium size can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast. Danger zones are numerous and located mostly above the treeline in steep ridgeline terrain on NW/E/S facing slopes, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain. The fresh fallen snow, furthermore, can trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain and grow to medium sized loose-snow avalanches.

Strong winds and the fresh fallen snow is being transported, deposited atop the older snowdrifts, the snowdrifts are growing in size. Inside the drifts are weak intermediate layers generated in the interims of precipitation and shifting wind velocities: these are prone to triggering. Bonding deteriorates with ascending altitude. In wind-exposed zones and at lower altitudes, the old snowpack is shallow and melt-freeze encrusted.

Avalanche danger at high altitudes in the Allgau will remain tense over the next few days.