Werdenfels Alps

Many new danger zones generated by snowfall and wind

Many new danger zones generated by snowfall and wind

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable. Snowdrifts are problematic. Fresh and older snowdrifts can trigger a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche by minimum additional loading in some places. Danger zones occur in steep east and south-facing terrain and tend to increase with ascending altitude, but still are small-sized.. Avalanches can reach medium size. In addition, there is a persistent weak layer problem, unrecognizable without looking inside the snowpack. Danger zones occur in northern aspects and can be triggered particularly by large additional loading. In isolated cases they can grow to medium size.

The forecast snowfall will be deposited on south-facing slopes atop a slightly melt-freeze encrusted surface, on shady slopes atop a softened surface. In the western and high-altitude regions the snowfall will be heavier. Westerly winds will accompany it. Particularly in summit and pass areas, large-sized snowdrifts will accumulate which will be deposited on top of soft layers. Inside the old snowpack are melt-freeze crusts which become less marked with ascending altitude. In some places a trigger-sensitive layer of faceted crystals has formed near the crusts, particularly on north-facing slopes at higher altitudes. The snowpack base at low altitudes is often moist, sometimes wet, which tends to further the gliding movement of the entire snowpack over smooth ground.

The activity of wet avalanches will increase with the rising temperatures, snowdrifts will consolidate.