Allgäu Alps Central

Snowdrift problem at high altitude; increasing glide snow problem at intermediate altitude

Snowdrift problem at high altitude; increasing glide snow problem at intermediate altitude

Avalanche danger is generally moderate. Main problem at high altitude are fresh snowdrifts. They can in some places be triggered even by the weight of one sole person and release a slab avalanche. Avalanche prone locations are found in particular in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/S aspects as well as in freshly wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanches can grow to medium size. Up to high altitudes it is possible that isolated glide snow avalanches trigger naturally and slide over the smooth ground on steep grass-covered slopes and sparsely wooded zones, because the old snowpack is thoroughly moist. Avalanches can reach medium size, occurring on steep, sunny slopes in eastern to southern to western aspects. Therefore, avoid terrain below glide snow cracks.

During the course of the day up to 20 centimeters of new snow have fallen at high altitudes accompanied by strong westerly to southwesterly winds; snowfall line varies between 1600 m and 1800 m. Even at high altitudes the snowpack is now superficially moist, has strongly diminished at intermediate altitudes due to rain and is mostly wet down to the ground. This is associated with a loss in firmness, as a consequence snow masses can start gliding over smooth grass-covered slopes. The shallow new snow cover anticipated for Tuesday night and Wednesday during daytime will be deposited atop them, without wind to speak off, and will bond well. Heed fresh snowdrift accumulations at higher altitudes. In some places weak intermediate layers still persist in thee fresh and also older snowdrift accumulations. These can be prone to triggering.

As a consequence of cooler temperatures a bit snow will also fall at the valley floors until spring-like temperatures will set it an end by Friday. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.