Verwall Mountains West

Weak old snowpack layers persist.

Weak old snowpack layers persist.

Marked weak layers in the old snowpack can still easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast, especially above 2200m on steep, little-skied on slopes. The danger zones are not visible. Remote triggerings are possible. Snowdrift accumulations blanketed by fresh snow occur increasingly in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanches which release can fracture to deeper layers in the old snowpack and grow to medium size. Whumpf noises and fractures when treading on the surface are alarm signals. Activities in backcountry demand careful evaluation of the terrrain and assessment of the dangers. Restraint is advised.

A small amount of fresh snow and fresh drifts blanket older, generally somewhat stabilized snowdrift accumulations. The often lie deposited on loosely-packed snow at higher altitudes and atop a weak old snowpack surface (particularly on steep shady slopes). Avalanches triggered by winter sports enthusiasts confirm how prone to triggering the snowpack is.

Friday night will be variably cloudy with further snow showers above 1200-1400m. On Saturday, sunny despite clouds. Temperature at 2000m: -1 degree; at 3000m: -8 degrees. Light-to-moderate westerly winds at high altitudes.

Avalanche danger will recede another notch. Weak layers in the old snow still prone to triggering