Allgäu Alps Central

In high-altitude steep terrain, large loosely-packed avalanches possible

In high-altitude steep terrain, large loosely-packed avalanches possible

Main problem: older snowdrifts, blanketed by fresh snow, difficult to recognize. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered particularly by large additional loading, e.g. by a group of skiers without maintaining distances. Danger zones are located above the timberline in ridgeline areas in N-E-SE steep terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In addition, at high altitudes, ground level weak layers can be triggered particularly by large additional loading and in transitions from deep to shallow snow. Furthermore, at intermediate altitudes isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are occurring. This applies to steep grass-covered slopes in all aspects. Depending on snow depths, medium-sized avalanches cannot be ruled out.

By Thursday midday, up to 20 cm of fresh snow is anticipated. Moderate-strength NW winds will transported the lightly bonded fresh snow to a thin layer on top of expansively metamorphosed (faceted) crystals on the old snowpack surface. Bonding of layers is inadequate. Older snowdrifts are blanketed, lie bonded atop loosely-packed cold layers of snow and are prone to triggering. Below the treeline the snowpack has settled well, ground-level layers are often moist which in turn furthers gliding snow movements.

Avalanche danger will increase on Thursday as a result of additional snowfall.