Werdenfels Alps

Avoid fresh and older snowdrifts at high altitudes

Avoid fresh and older snowdrifts at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is moderate, danger below that altitude is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. Fresh and older snowdrift masses can be triggered even by minimum additional loading at high altitudes. Avalanche prone locations are found mostly in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E aspects and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and size of the danger zones increase with ascending altitude. In addition, glide-snow avalanches (medium-size) can trigger naturally on steep slopes with smooth ground where they have not yet been discharged.

At higher altitudes, strong westerly winds can generate snowdrifts. These will settle and consolidate with the mild weather but sometimes be prone to triggering. The snowpack surface shows strong wind impact. There are often weak layers deeply embedded inside the snow cover. At intermediate altitudes the old snow is moist all the way down to the ground. There is little snow on the ground.

Avalanche danger will continue to decrease.