Werdenfels Alps

Significant avalanche danger above 1800 m.

Significant avalanche danger above 1800 m.

The avalanche danger is considerable above 1,800 metres and moderate below. The main problem at higher altitudes is wind slab avalanches. Slab avalanches can be triggered on steep slopes with aspects from north-west to east to south as well as in gullies and bowls with little additional load. The number of avalanche prone locations increases with altitude and avalanches can become large in places at higher altitudes in areas with more snow.

Wet snow is also problematic. Loose snow, gliding snow and slab avalanches can detach themselves in all aspects, especially at medium altitudes (1000 m - 2000 m). At high altitudes, southern exposures are particularly affected when the sun comes out. Wet avalanches can reach medium size.

Particularly at high altitudes, fresh small and sometimes thick older snow packs lie on soft layers or surface hoar. The snowpack base here consists of faceted crystals. The warm temperatures and solar radiation lead to further soaking of the snow cover, even at high altitudes, causing the snow to lose its bond. Up to high altitudes, the snow cover, snowpack is wet to the ground or at least moist near the surface. A melt-freeze crust forms on the surface overnight, which thaws again during the daytime changes.

Slow decline in avalanche danger.