Osterhorn Group,Gamsfeld Group

Caution urged towards drifts above timberline

Caution urged towards drifts above timberline

Avalanche danger depends on wind influence. Above the treeline: MODERATE. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated on leeward ridgeline steep slopes in NW/E/S aspects and in steep gullies. Danger zones become more frequent with ascending altitude above the treeline. Triggering is especially possible by large additional loading (a group, a fall), and in transitions from shallow to deep snow a triggering is possible even by the weight of one sole person. Small-to-medium sized slab avalanches are possible. On extremely steep grass-covered slopes, small glide-snow avalanches are releasing.

Where winds do not reach, fine powder lies atop a hardened snowbase. At low altitudes the snow is sticky or slightly moist. With wind impact (on Friday southerly, on Saturday northwesterly again) the snowdrifts and wind-crusts will predominate. The old snowpack is compact.

On Sunday, visibility will improve during the morning, some intermittent sunshine is expected over midday. Towards evening cloud cover will move in. Winds will remain mostly light. At 1500 m: -5 degrees. On Monday temperatures will be noticeably higher due to a warm front. Rainfall is expected to extend gradually up to nearly 2000 m. Visibility will be poor.

On Monday, higher temperatures and rainfall, helping the snowpack to settle measurably.