Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Fresh snowdrifts above the timberline

Fresh snowdrifts above the timberline

In the Wechsel region moderate avalanche danger prevails above the treeline. Danger zones are freshly generated snowdrift acumulations in extended north-facing terrain on ridgeline slopes and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, particularly in steep entries into gullies and bowls, where snowdrift masses can often be triggered even by minimum additional loading and generate a slab avalanche, although probably small-sized.

Brisk southerly winds have transported the fresh snow (about 10 cm) to north-facing slopes. Bonding of fresh snow to the old snowpack is insufficient. At intermediate and low altitudes the fresh snow lies deposited atop a fragmented snowpack fundament, on sunny slopes on bare ground.

On Tuesday clouds and fog will temporarily disperse, a bit of sunshine is expected. In the afternoon, cloud cover will move in again, shrouding the peaks in the southwest. During the afternoon, light snowfall will set in. Winds in early morning will be northwesterly, as of midday southwesterly. At 2000 m: -6 degrees; on Tuesday night, a bit more fresh snow from the southwest.

Initially no change in avalanche danger levels is expected. Starting on Wednesday, fresh snowfall can intensify the snowdrift problem.