Werdenfels Alps

Caution: At highest altitudes weak layers in old snowpack in shady aspects

Caution: At highest altitudes weak layers in old snowpack in shady aspects

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. Danger zones occur in particular in shady aspects at highest altitudes in steep terrain adjacent 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 and expansively metamorphosed at the surface. At high altitudes, layers consisting of faceted crystals are located underneath a melt-freeze-crust near the surface or underneath older snowdrift masses; proneness to triggering increases with ascending altitude. Isolated small snowdrift patches that are prone to triggering can accumulate at high altitude due to intensifying southwesterly winds. At low altitudes the snowpack is mostly stable, shallow, moist down to the ground. Gliding movements over smooth grass-covered slopes are possible.

On the shady side, snowdrifts will accumulate on Friday atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface due to wind and new snow. Avalanche danger will increase.