Bregenzerwald Mountains

Beware small snowdrifts

Beware small snowdrifts

Avalanche danger is predominantly low. Caution is urged towards older snowdrift accumulations particularly in ridgeline terrain on north-facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In addition, isolated avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading in extremely steep terrain. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall require attentiveness.

The small, shallow snowdrifts generated on steep shady slopes have bonded only poorly with the old snowpack surface. On steeper shady slopes, a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads is often evident, this softens up during daytime hours. The old snowpack is generally well-settled and compact.

Following a night of cloudy skies, moist air masses from the north will accumulate in the form of low-lying and intermediate cloud cover extending as far as the Main Alpine Ridge. Intermittent light, minor snowfall is possible from these clouds, snowfall level 800-1300m. Temperature at 2000m: -2 degrees; at 3000m: -8 degrees. Predominantly light to moderate-strength northerly winds at high altitudes.

Avalanche danger not expected to change significantly until Wednesday, due to high-pressure weather conditions.