Werdenfels Alps

Particular caution urged at high altitudes

Particular caution urged at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is high, below that altitude danger is considerable. Main problem: the fresh snow. Danger zones are numerous, occur on steep wind-loaded slopes in all aspects and at all altitudes. Also at the foot of rock walls, in forest transitions, in gullies and bowls, avalanches can be expected, even trigger natureally during Friday night and on Saturday during the day, mostly reaching medium size. In addition, gliding snow activity is increasing. Glide-snow avalanches can release at any time of day on very steep smooth slopes naturally, at all altitudes and in all aspects. Avalanches tend to remain small. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

Persistent snowfall continues, deposited snow in leeward terrain. Above the timberline the fresh snow is being massively transported by gale-strength westerly winds, forming deep snowdrift accumulations. Bonding to the snowpack is often poor. In addition, weak layers are forming inside the snowdrifts. The weight of the fresh fallen snow plus rainfall at lower altitudes is increasing the tension inside the snowpack, destabilizing it further. The snowpack base is moist, at lower altitudes wet down to the ground, thus heightening gliding snow. A cohesive snowpack is sparse at low altitudes.

The avalanche situation remains tense.