Werdenfels Alps

Trigger-sensitive older snowdrift accumulations are blanketed by new snow and difficult to detect

Trigger-sensitive older snowdrift accumulations are blanketed by new snow and difficult to detect

At high altitudes avalanche danger is moderate, elsewhere it is low. Main problem: old snow. A few avalanche prone locations are located in steep ridgeline terrain in NW-E-SE aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls where small-sized slab avalanches are still triggerable by one sole person; whereas medium-sized slab avalanches can only be triggered by large additional loading. Small loose snow avalanches can release naturally in steep rocky terrain.

Up to 10 cm of new snow have fallen today (Thursday). Another 10 cm of new snow are anticipated by Friday afternoon. At high altitudes the new snow blankets older snowdrift accumulations which are still prone to triggering. These are therefore difficult to detect. Old snowpack depths are below average and strongly wind-impacted. The older snowdrift layers have gradually settled and bonded with each other. However, weak intermediate layers still persist at transitions to the old snowpack. At intermediate altitudes the fresh snow was deposited directly on the bare ground or blankets consolidated smooth old snowpack surfaces.

It will stay chilly and time and again there will be a little snowfall. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly over the next few days.