Osterhorn Group,Gamsfeld Group

Caution urged towards drifts above timberline

Caution urged towards drifts above timberline

Avalanche danger depends on wind influence. Above the treeline: MODERATE. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated on leeward ridgeline steep slopes in NW/E/S aspects and in steep gullies. Danger zones become more frequent with ascending altitude above the treeline. Triggering is especially possible by large additional loading (a group, a fall), and in transitions from shallow to deep snow a triggering is possible even by the weight of one sole person. Small-to-medium sized slab avalanches are possible.

Where winds do not reach, fine powder lies atop a hardened snowbase. With wind impact (on Friday southerly, on Saturday northwesterly again) the snowdrifts and wind-crusts will predominate. The old snowpack is relatively compact, in the classic December backcountry touring regions there are no pronounced or relevant weak layers evident.

On Saturday the peaks will frequently be shrouded in cloud, visibility will often be limited by snowfall (10 cm fresh snow anticipated). Brisk W/NW winds will be blowing. Temperature at 1500 m: -6 degrees. On Sunday, visibility will improve in the morning, intermittent sunshine expected over the midday hours. Towards evening cloud cover will move in. Winds will remain mostly light. At 1500 m: -5 degrees.

Little change in the avalanche situation on Sunday.