Pre Alps

Fresh snowdrifts, wet-snow/glide-snow avalanches

Fresh snowdrifts, wet-snow/glide-snow avalanches

Avalanches can trigger in near-surface layers and, in isolated cases, reach medium size. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain, in transitions from shallow to deep snow, e.g. at entries into gullies and bowls. Due to rising foehn winds, small snowdrift accumulations will be generated during the daytime. Apart from the dangers of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall require consideration. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger below 2600 m at any time of day or night and reach large size. Caution urged below glide cracks. Due to rain impact, mostly small-sized wet loose-snow avalanches can be expected.

The minor fresh snow will be transported by strong SW winds, drifts deposited esp. on high-altitude shady slopes atop soft layers. On north-facing slopes, near-surface weak layers persist on steep high-altitude slopes. The old snowpack is mostly compact and stable. Warm ground and the wet snowpack base reinforce the gliding movements of the entire snowpack. Very little snow on the ground below 1400 m.

Nocturnal hours: Snow showers will taper off. Saturday daytime: Increasingly windy, esp. in the classic foehn lanes. Mostly sunny. In the afternoon in the Silvretta, clouds can accumulate. At 2000 m: -4 to 0 degrees. Moderate to strong SW winds.

As a result of foehn storm winds, fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated. Avalanche danger will increase. Glide-snow avalanches are still possible.