Avalanche forecast

Take heed: fresh high-altitude snowdrifts – increasingly frequent daytime wet slides and avalanches

Take heed: fresh high-altitude snowdrifts – increasingly frequent daytime wet slides and avalanches

Avalanche danger is frequently low, then moderate with daytime warming. Older snowdrifts are prone to triggering with ascending altitude. Small-to-medium avalanches can be triggered by one single skier. Danger zones are found particularly in ridge zones and on shady steep slopes. Size and frequency increase with ascending altitude. In high alpine regions the increase is greater. Due to solar radiation and daytime warming, naturally or one skier-triggered small to medium moist slides and wet-snow avalanches are possible on steep sunny slopes, also on steep shady slopes at intermediate altitudes. Small glide-snow avalanches continue to be possible on very steep grassy slopes. Caution urged below glide cracks.

At high altitudes the recently generated snowdrift accumulations were able to settle further and consolidate. Bonding to the old snowpack is generally adequate, but deteriorates with ascending altitude and, in particular, on steep shady slopes. Small-to-medium slab avalanches can trigger there inside the layers of fresh snow and drifts or near the layers of Sahara dust. During a night of largely clear skies, a superficial melt-freeze crust formed which is generally capable of bearing loads. It subsequently softens during the daytime due to solar radiation and warmer temperatures, thereby forfeiting its firmness.

High-altitude clouds will hamper the sunshine this afternoon in particular. It will be milder than yesterday. At 2000m: rising from 4 to 11 degrees. Light to moderate W/SW winds at high altitude.

Nighttime skies will be cloudy and mild. On Wednesday, Sahara dust will affect light conditions. Temperatures will rise further. Danger of wet snow avalanches is heightened even in the morning.