Werdenfels Alps

Wet-snow problem at low altitudes and in the sun

Wet-snow problem at low altitudes and in the sun

Avalanche danger above 1800 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrift accumulations are the main problem. In isolated cases, fresh snowdrifts in steep ridgeline terrain in NW/N/NE aspects cantrigger small slab avalanches by 1 person, small releases. In the old snow there is a problematic layer which with large additional loading can trigger a medium-sized slab (superficial) avalanche. Such danger zones lie at high altitudes on very steep shady slopes. Also wet snow is a problem in some places. Small wet loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in extremely steep rough and rocky terrain in all aspects. The danger of small glide-snow avalanches is also a threat on very steep smooth slopes.

At night a melt-freeze crust will form. At lower altitudes the snowpack is thoroughly moist. Above 1500 m on shady slopes there is still powder. Here small snowdrift accumulations can be generated by S/W winds which will be deposited atop loose powder or surface hoar, in either case prone to triggering.The snowpack base is wet up to intermediate altitudes. At the border from last week’s snowfall to the old snowpack base there is a weak layer below a thin melt-freeze crust at high altitudes on shady slopes. Increasing cloud cover and warm temperatures are making the snowpack wetter also on shady slopes. Little or now snow on the ground well into intermediate altitudes.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.