Allgäu Alps Central

Snowdrift accumulations often difficult to recognize

Snowdrift accumulations often difficult to recognize

Avalanche danger is moderate above 2000m, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrift accumulations are the major problem, esp. on sunny, extremely steep slopes where slab avalanches can trigger by large additional loading. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, releases can reach medium size. On very steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches can be expected, these can reach medium size in isolated cases. Due to solar radiation, small loose-snow slides can release naturally on extremely steep slopes.

During the night in regions where outgoing longwave radiation is sufficient, a melt-freeze crust will form, then swiftly melt in the sunshine next morning. During the daytime, mild temperatures up to high altitudes are making the snowpack moist, causing it to forfeit its firmness. Older snowdrift accumulations have consolidated somewhat. In many places graupel is embedded which can be prone to triggering. At intermediate altitudes the fresh fallen snow was frequently deposited on moist ground which was previously bare of snow.

Mildness will persist. Wet-snow problem will come to the forefront.