Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Persistent weak layer at high altitudes: caution!

Persistent weak layer at high altitudes: caution!

Avalanche danger abover 2400m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main danger: persistent weak layer Slabs can be triggered even by one single skier, particularly on W/N/E facing slopes, in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Avalanches can reach medium size During the course of the day, small wet-snow slides can trigger naturally due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, particularly on south-facing slopes below 2400m and in extremely steep terrain (>40°). In addition, small glide-snow avalanches are possible in all aspects at any time of day or night. Small slabs in the snowdrifts are triggerable only in few places: near ridglines, on shady slopes from minimum additional loading.

In high alpine regions there are faceted layers inside the old snowpack which are often covered by hardened layers. In addition, there are still loose layers near the surface which are covered. At lower and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moistened by higher temperatures, in places it is completely wet. Overnight a melt-freeze crust can form in these places which then softens up during the daytime. The snowpack currently evidences no marked weak layers. On grass-covered slopes and over rocky plates, the entire snowpack can start to glide.

On Wednesday, intermediate-altitude cloudbanks and sunshine will shift back and forth, the peaks will mostly remain free of clouds. In the afternoon, more sunshine is expected. Winds will be moderate to brisk from westerly directions. At 2000m +5 degrees; at 3000m: -1 degree.

On Thursday, little change is expected. On Friday, snowdrift problem will intensify due to fresh snowfall and winds.