Bregenzerwald Mountains

Caution: weak old snowpack layers at higher altitudes

Caution: weak old snowpack layers at higher altitudes

A single winter sports enthusiast can trigger small slab avalanches in some places. If releases then sweep away deeper weak layers of the snowpack, the avalanche can in isolated cases grow to medium size. Danger zones are difficult to spot, they occur particularly in transitions from shallow to deep snow, for example, at entry points into gullies and bowls. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall require caution. On sunny slopes, generally small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally during the course of the day.

Older snowdrift accumulations from last week often lie deposited atop loose old snow at high altitudes, and a weak old snowpack, particularly on steep shady slopes. The snowdrift accumulations are often blanketed, making them impossible to recognize. Avalanches triggered by winter sports enthusiasts and fractures on the surface confirm how prone to triggering the snowpack is. During recent nights, surface hoar has formed in many places. The melt-freeze crust which has formed at lower altitudes softens up on sunny slopes during the daytime hours.

Sunny, good visibility. Rising southerly winds will be limited, feelable only in foehn-exposed lanes. Temperature at 2000m: -3 degrees; at 3000m: -9 degrees. Moderate to brisk SW winds, intensifying in afternoon and evening.

As a result of strong-to-stormy SW winds, avalanche danger will increase again at high altitudes.