Osterhorn Group,Gamsfeld Group

Triggerable spots in fresh and older snowdrifts

Triggerable spots in fresh and older snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above the treeline is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Fresh and older snowdrifts can trigger by large additional loading particularly in N/E aspects and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Particularly treacherous: very steep and shady terrain. Triggered avalaqnches can grow to medium size. In sunny, steep rocky terrain small loose-snow avalanches can release.

The snowpack was able to settle over the last couple of days. Faceted crystals surrounding the latest melt-freeze crust or loose blanketed powder just under the wind-bonded snow could serve as weak layers. In some cases there is surface hoar embedded in the snow. On sunny slopes the snow turns sticky in the morning. In early morning it bears a thin crust.

On Thursday, good visibility. A few high altitude cloudbanks will pass through. The NW winds will remain irritating (30-50 km/hr). At 1500 m: -1 to +2 degrees. Friday will bring heavy cloud cover, limited visibility, some snowfall in the morning accompanied by moderate to strong to stormy NW winds. The snowfall will slacken off in the afternoon. Temperatures will drop. At 1500 m: -6 degrees.

As a result of fresh snow and winds, the frequency of danger zones will increase on Friday.