Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

Snowdrift accumulations still prone to triggering but difficult to recognize

Snowdrift accumulations still prone to triggering but difficult to recognize

Avalanche danger above 2000m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is moderate. Avalanches can in some zones be triggered in the blanketed snowdrifts by one sole skier, esp. on shady slopes. Snowdrift accumulations are blanketed , often difficult to recognize. Avalanche releases mostly medium-sized, in isolated cases large-sized. On extremely steep slopes, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected. Medium sized glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in very to extremely steep grass-covered terrain.

Since Friday evening 80-120cm of fresh snow has been registered at high altitudes. Due to daytime warming the snowpack is rapidly settling. Inside the fresh snow and snowdrifts there are soft layers of loose snow or graupel. In the lower and middle parts of the snowpack above 2200m there are weak layers of faceted crystals which are embedded between crusts, esp on W/S/E facing slopes above 2400m. Below 2000m the old snow is moist. Over ground which previously was bare of snow the fresh fallen snow can glide away as a glide-snow avalanche.

During the nocturnal hours, snow showers will taper off. On Wednesday, residual clouds and high fog will disperse in the morning, sunshine will follow, with good visibility. Moderate easterly winds will prevail, brisker on the northern rim of the Alps. At 2000m: -4 to 0 degrees; at 3000m. -7 degrees.

Likelihood of snowdrifts triggering will decrease, but wet-snow problems will increase