Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer, gliding snow problem persists

Fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer, gliding snow problem persists

Avalanche danger is moderate above 2400 m, low below that altitude. Fresh snowfall and wind have generated fresh snowdrift accumulations on N/E/SE facing slopes above 2400 m, often triggerable by 1 person, slab avalanche releases small-to-medium. In few spots above 2500 m, weak layers in the uppermost part of the snowpack can be triggered by large additional loading, esp. on very steep sunny slopes, releases can be medium, isolated large-sized ones. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists below 2600 m. Higher up in starting zones where there is sufficient snow on the ground, isolated large releases are possible. On very steep sunny rough and rocky slopes, small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.

At high altitudes the fresh snowdrifts were deposited atop a soft layer or a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads. Weak layers occur inside the fresh drifts. In addition, on shady slopes above 1800 m the loose old snowpack surface is a potential weak layer for slab avalanches. The snowpack base is mostly stable, moist-to-wet up to high altitudes, can glide esp. over steep grass-covered slopes.

On Friday evening, clouds will disperse, the nocturnal skies will be cloudless. On Saturday, unhindered sunshine. Brisk NW winds, gusts up to 60 km/hr. At 1500 m: 1-4 degrees; at 2000 m: -1 to +1 degree.

The snowdrift problem will continue to diminish, the gliding snow problem will persist.