Werdenfels Alps

Frequency of avalanche prone locations increases as the day progresses

Frequency of avalanche prone locations increases as the day progresses

Avalanche danger is moderate above 2000 m, below that altitude danger is low. The main problem are snowdrifts which can be triggered as slab avalanches by minimum additional loading, for example by a single skier. Avalanche prone locations occur on steep ridgeline slopes as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Slab avalanches remain mostly small. The snow can trigger naturally in extremely steep rocky and rugged terrain or can be released by a single person engaged in wintersports in steep terrain. Loose snow avalanches are mostly small. There is a risk that small glide snow avalanches release spontaneously on very steep slopes over smooth ground that have not yet discharged.

Loose snow is extensively transported all day by heavy southerly wind. At higher altitude it is deposited atop older snowdrift accumulations, a hard old snowpack surface or a melt-freeze crust. Depending on the aspect the latter differs widely, but is hardly capable of bearing loads. Underneath the melt-freeze crust there are loose and partly trigger-sensitive layers. In leeward and sunny zones the superficial snow moistens fast and forfeits its firmness. Melt-freeze crusts within the old snowpack are dissolving more and more. At high altitudes the snowpack is moist, at intermediate altitudes thoroughly wet, but all in all it is compact and, by and large, stable. On steep slopes the wet snowpack base promotes gliding of the snowpack over steep slopes with smooth ground.

Temperatures will drop by the weekend and there will be snowfall. Avalanche danger increases.