Werdenfels Alps

Large, spontaneous slab avalanches are possible at high altitudes.

Large, spontaneous slab avalanches are possible at high altitudes.

The avalanche risk is high above 1600 metres and considerable below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Avalanches can break loose in all aspects and altitudes, either by themselves or with a small additional load. There is even a risk of avalanches in steep clearings or aisles in mountain forests. From extremely steep terrain, new fallen snow is released in the form of loose snow avalanches. Avalanches can become large and penetrate as far as the flat.

Wet snow is also problematic. Due to the rainfall up to approx. 1800 m, spontaneous loose snow avalanches of medium size can be expected from very steep terrain, such as forest aisles. Gliding avalanches are also possible on very steep slopes with smooth ground.

Exposed transportation routes can be hit by avalanches.

With stormy winds and snowfall, the snow packs continue to grow. Potential weak layers of graupel, surface hoar or faceted crystals in the area of thin crusts can be found in the upper part of the snowpack in all aspects. Above 1800 m, there are weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on the shady slopes. Up to around 1800 m, rainfall weakens the snowpack during the day changes. At medium altitudes, the snowpack base is partly wet.

The avalanche situation remains tense.