Allgäu Alps Central

Beware gliding snow over smooth ground

Beware gliding snow over smooth ground

Avalanche danger on the Main Allgäu Ridge is moderate above 1500 m, low below that altitude. Gliding snow is the main problem. On very steep slopes with smooth ground and grass-covered terrain and forest clearances, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night. Releases mostly medium size. Avoid zones beneath glide cracks. Small-to-medium sized slab avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading at high altitudes. The few danger zones occur in transition from shallow to deep snow, e.g. at entries into steep gullies. Due to solar radiation and mild temperatures, in addition, wet loose-snow avalanches trigger naturally as the day unfolds in steep rocky terrain.

Nocturnal skies on Tuesday a melt-freeze crust which is capable of bearing loads could form. Solar radiation will soften it quickly during the daytime hours. At high altitudes on shady slopes there is often still powder to be found. Older drifts are unlikely to trigger. Soft layer in the uppermost part of the snowpack can be triggered. The old snowpack is thoroughly wet up to 2300 m, sufficiently wet at intermediate altitudes, reinforcing the gliding movements of the entire snowpack. Up to intermediate altitudes the ground is becoming bare of snow.

Avalanche danger levels will increase on Thursday due to precipitation and wind.