Allgäu Alps West

Still trigger-sensitive intermediate layers on high-altitude shady slopes

Still trigger-sensitive intermediate layers on high-altitude shady slopes

Considerable avalanche danger prevails at high altitudes. Avalanche prone locations occur in wind-loaded steep terrain, behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, and in gullies and bowls, Small to medium, in isolated cases also large-sized slab avalanches can be triggered even by minimum additional loading, i.e. the weight of one sole skier. Whumpf noises and glide-cracks in the snowpack are signals of imminent danger. Activities in backcountry terrain demand experience in assessing dangers on-site. In addition, on steep, seldom-tracked shady slopes at high altitudes, more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack can be triggered by large additional loading. Below 2200 m on sunny steep grassy slopes, glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Fresh snow and drifts lie atop unfavourable old snowpack layers, often with surface hoar, melt-freeze encrusted or softened layers. Bonding of fresh snow and drifts to these layers and also inside the snowpack itself is frequently poor. At lower and intermediate altitudes the snowpack was able to settle somewhat, and consolidate. On shady slopes and with ascending altitude this process is taking longer, also due to the lower temperatures.

Nocturnal hours: dry and clear skies, very cold. Friday. The current conditions will persist, brilliant sunshine, only little cloud. On Friday night clouds from the north will move in, but no precipitation is expected. At 2000 m: -6 to -3 degrees. Winds shifting to northerly, light to moderate.

Quite windy for a brief spell - N/NW winds. Temperatures will rise. At 2000 m from -3 to +1 degree. Avalanche danger will diminish.