Werdenfels Alps

Avalanche danger zones mainly in north aspects and ridgeline terrain

Avalanche danger zones mainly in north aspects and ridgeline terrain

Avalanche danger above 2200m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Weak layers in the old snowpack are the main problem. Slab avalanches can trigger especially by large additional loading and in transition from shall to deep snow. Avalanche prone locations mainly occur in highest altitudes in steep shady terrain close to ridges, where medium-sized avalanches cannot be ruled out. Isolated smaller glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally on steep grassy slopes and rock plates where there is sufficient snow on the ground.

Snow on the shady side is still dry. A layer consisting of faceted (expansively metamorphosed) crystals formed, where there are wind crusts in high altitude terrain on the shady side. At high altitudes, there are isolated layers of faceted crystals also underneath older snowdrift masses. At low altitudes the snowpack is shallow, moist down to the ground. Gliding movements over smooth grass-covered slopes are possible. As wind intensifies by mid-week, small-scale snowdrifts can accumulate that are prone to triggering.

As wind intensifies by mid-week, small-scale snowdrifts can accumulate that are prone to triggering.