Werdenfels Alps

Trigger sensitive snowdrifts increase with ascending altitude

Trigger sensitive snowdrifts increase with ascending altitude

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Main problem: gliding snow. Especially at high altitude triggerable by minimum additional loading such as by a single skier. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep terrain close to ridgelines in NE/E/S aspects as well as distant from ridgeleines behind protuberances as well as in gullies in bowls. Number and size of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude, are frequently blanketed and difficult to detect. Slab avalanches can reach medium size. Below 2200m small to medium-sized glide snow avalanches can trigger naturally in all aspects on steep grassy slopes and steep, sparsely wooded mountain forests. Glide cracks indicate danger. In addition, small wet loose snow avalanches can trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain.

Heavy snowfall accompanied by strong southwesterly wind will generate fresh snowdrifts. At high altitudes these will be deposited atop a loose snowpack surface or older snowdrifts and are prone to triggering. Weak layers are partly found embedded in packed snowdrifts and at transitions to old snow. The snowdrifts are frequently blanketed by loose new snow and are therefore difficult to recognize. At lower altitudes both new snow and drifted snow is deposited atop a moist snowpack surface with which it mostly bonds well. Hefty rainwater ingress up to about 1800 m weakens the snow at intermediate and low altitudes. Futhermore, the moist layer at ground level is getting wetter, favoring gliding snowpack movements.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change much until Tuesday.