Bregenzerwald Mountains

Foehn storm will transport loose snow at high altitudes

Foehn storm will transport loose snow at high altitudes

As a result of storm-strength foehn winds, fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated. Avalanches are easily triggerable in the drifts, releases mostly small. Evaluate the snowdrifts with caution in steep terrain. In additional, avalanches can trigger in near-surface layers of the snowpack, in isolated cases reach medium size. Danger zones occur on north-facing slopes agove 2400 m in very steep terrain, esp. in transitions from shallow to deep snow, e.g. at entries into gullies and bowls. Activities in backcountry demand experience in outlying terrain and the ability to assess avalanche dangers on-site, as well as a cautious route selection. Due to increasing wetness of the snowpack, gliding snow and wet-snow activity is increasing. 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.

Due to strong southerly winds on Saturday, fresh trigger-prone snowdrift accumulations were generated. On Sunday, foehn winds will continue to intensify in velocity. Fresh snowdrift accumulations will be deposited on high-altitude shady slopes atop soft layers. On north-facing slopes above 2400 m, near-surface weak layers have persisted. The old snowpack is generally compact and stable. At low and intermediate altitudes it is thoroughly wet down to the ground. Clouds passing through will hamper nocturnal longwave outgoing radiation, a crust capable of bearing loads cannot form easily. Warmth is making the snowpack weaker, esp. in wind-protected terrain.

Nocturnal hours: Foehn wind will intensify in the classic valleys, mild. Sunday daytime: Foehn storm in the mountains. Sunny with harmless cloudbanks above the summits. At 2000 m: 0 degrees. Strong to stormy southerly winds.

On Monday a mixture of sunshine and clouds. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.