Lechquellen Mountains

Heed snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes – Naturally triggered wet avalanches during the day

Heed snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes – Naturally triggered wet avalanches during the day

Considerable avalanche danger prevails. Danger zones occur behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. As a result of solar radiation and significantly higher temperatures small-to-medium wet snow avalanches can be expected esp. on sunny slopes up to high altitudes and also in other aspects. Glide cracks and whumpf noises are indicators of imminent danger. Activities in backcountry demand experience in assessing the terrain and avalanche dangers on-site. At low altitudes the danger is generally moderate. As a result of solar radiation and noticeably rising temperatures, increasingly frequent small-to-medium sized wet snow avalanches can be expected esp. on sunny slopes up to 2500 m and also in other aspects. On steep smooth grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches are also possible.

The latest round of fresh fallen snow and snowdrift accumulations have been able to settle and consolidate. Bonding inside the layer of fresh snow and drifts to the old snowpack is inadequate. Due to rainfall and reduced nocturnal outgoing longwave radiation the snowpack is weakened up to intermediate altitudes. As a result of warming and solar radiation the snowpack loses firmness during the daytime, proneness to triggering increases.

Nocturnal hours: snow showers will terminate in the evening, the night will remain dry. High-altitude clouds will pass through. Monday: high-altitude clouds will swiftly disperse, sunshine will reign. Temperatures will continue to rise, the zero-degree level will ascend to nearly 3000 m. At 2000 m: 0 to +7 degrees. Brisk to strong-velocity winds, in the afternoon shifting to stormy-strength foehn wind from the southwest.

Tuesday will bring precipitation and fresh snowfall amid dropping temperatures. Wind impact will cause new snowdrift accumulations to be generated. Danger of dry-snow avalanches could increase again. Danger of wet-snow avalanches will drop significantly.