Pre Alps

Evaluate critically fresh and older snowdrift accumulations

Evaluate critically fresh and older snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger above the timberline is moderate, danger below that altitude is low. Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations can be triggered even by one sole skier. Danger zones occur particularly on steep shady slopes, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, and behind protruberances in the terrain. Size and frequency of danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude. The snowdrifts are often blanketed, making them difficult to recognize. On steep grass-covered slopes, particularly in sunny aspects, small glide-snow avalanches are posible. Caution urged below glide-cracks.

On Thursday night, 15-25 cm of fresh snow was registered, often transported by strong-velocity W/NW winds. The fresh snow and drifts were deposited atop an unfavorable, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface, often atop surface hoar, on shady slopes in particular. Also inside the snowdrifts themselves there are frequently trigger-sensitive intermediate layers evident. On sunny sloppes, bonding to the old snowpack surface is better.

Morning hours will be sunny, then clouds will move in above summit level. In the afternoon, clouds will become denser. By evening, cloud will be heavy even at lower altitudes. Temperatures will rise at all altitudes. At 2000m: from -12 to -4 degrees. Brisk westerly winds at high altitudes, in the evening strong-to-stormy.

Avalanche danger levels not expected to change significantly