Werdenfels Alps

Storm is generating many spatially limited snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is wet.

Storm is generating many spatially limited snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is wet.

Avalanche danger above 2000m is considerable, danger below that altitude is moderate. Main problem: snowdrifts at high altitude. Avalanche prone locations are found adjacent to and distant from ridgelines on many steep slopes in all aspects, behind terrain protuberances as well as in gullies and bowls filled with snowdrift deposits. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading of a single skier. If avalanches fracture down to more deeply embedded layers they can also grow to large size. Weak intermediate layers in the old snow are typically found in the north sector and can in addition still be triggered in places with little snow such as the entry into gullies. Size and frequency of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. Wet loose snow and slab avalanches are possible in steep rocky terrain due to rain and mild temperatures. Glide snow avalanches can also be expected on smooth steep grass-covered slopes. The avalanches are mostly small to medium-sized.

At high altitudes, stormy to gale-strength wind generates many snowdrift accumulations that are prone to triggering. Trigger-sensitive layers are embedded in the snowdrifts bordering the old snowpack surface. Embedded in the old snow are locally also faceted crystals underneath a melt-freeze crust. The weak layer becomes more pronounced with ascending altitude and in some places it is dangerously near the upper surface. The danger is undetectable above the snowpack. Due to mild temperatures and sometimes rain the snowpack at intermediate altitudes can hardly consolidate. It is often also wet down to the ground which promotes gliding of the snow masses.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly until Friday.