Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

Snowdrift accumulations often prone to triggering

Snowdrift accumulations often prone to triggering

Avalanche danger levels above 2000m are moderate. Snowdrifts can be triggered as a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche in some places by minumum additional loading. Danger zones also occur distant from ridgelines, especially in gullies and bowls and behind protruberances in the landscape. Surface-near avalanches above 2200m can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack. Danger zones occur particularly on north and east-facing slopes, above 2400m also on south and west-facing slopes. Caution urged in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Naturally triggered small-to-medium sized glide-snow avalanches are possible. Circumvent zones below glide cracks.

Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations are being deposited atop a weak melt-freeze crust up to 2500m, abover that altitude atop loosely-packed, expansively metamorphosed snow. Above about 2200m there are weak layers with faceted crystals evident inside the old snowpack, often prone to triggering. The entire snowpack can glide away over steep rocky places and grass-covered slopes.

Nighttime skies will be variably cloudy and dry, with extended clear phases. On Monday, mild foehn-induced weather will prevail, the southerly winds will be strong, reaching windspeeds of 60-80 km/hr. In the northern mountain massifs, more sunshine is expected. At 2000m: 7 degrees; at 3000m: -2 degrees. In the afternoon, temperatures will drop somewhat.

Avalanche danger levels to increase on Tuesday due to fresh snowfall