Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Considerable danger in places, small avalanches can fracture down to deeper layers

Considerable danger in places, small avalanches can fracture down to deeper layers

Avalanche danger above 1800m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is mostly LOW. Restraint and experience are imperative. Main problem: fresh and older snowdrifts. Avalanche prone locations are found in many aspects (W/N/E/S), mostly near ridges, also distant from ridges on north-facing slopes. Even the weight of one sole skier can trigger an avalanche, which can grow to large size if the slab fractures to deeper layers (hidden persistent weak layer in extended northern aspects above 1800 m). Through higher temperatures, numerous small loose-snow avalanches will release in steem terrain, particularly in the afternoon.

On Tuesday there was 10-15 cm of fresh snow, amid some W/NW wind at high altitudes. Small drifts were generated, thin, not extensive. Beneath the new snow are compact layers widespread which distribute their forces well. Inside the old snowpack, particularly on north-facing slopes are faceted weak layers which in places tend towards fracture propagation.

On Wednesday adequate visibility to start withm, some pale sunshine, then cloud cover will move inm, the peaks disappear in fog. Late afternoon the next round of precipitation will start, amid strong/stormy westerly winds. Snowfall level in the evening at 1500 m. Temperature at 2000 m: from -4 to 0 degrees. Storm winds on Thursday! Particularly at high altitudes, windspeeds over 100 km/hr can be reached, accompanied by instable weather conditions and variable visibility, with repeated showers. Snowfall level will initially lie at over 2000 m, towards evening descend to below 1500m. Snow and rain will be minor. Temperature at 2000 m: 2 degrees at midday, at 3000 m: -5 degrees.

Snowdrift problem / Persistent weak layer / Wet-snow problem. Danger level at CONSIDERABLE (3). Caution: the new loading and superficial avalanches could cause the snowpack to fracture to deeper layers and thereby grow to larger size.