Werdenfels Alps

Stormy winds will generate trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations; at lower and intermediate altitudes loss of firmness due to rain especially in the afternoon.

Stormy winds will generate trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations; at lower and intermediate altitudes loss of firmness due to rain especially in the afternoon.

Above 2000 m the avalanche danger is considerable; below that it is moderate. The main problem are snowdrifts that can be triggered even by the weight of one single skier. Avalanche prone locations are found above the timberline in steep ridgeline terrain in all aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and behind terrain protuberances. Size and frequency increase with ascending altitude. Avalanches can grow to medium size. At intermediate altitude where is still enough snow, small to medium-sized wet and glide snow avalanches can release spontaneously in steep rocky terrain, in steep forest aisles, and on steep grass-covered slopes which have not yet discharged, mainly in the afternoon.

Above 1200m, the new snow (approx. 10-20 centimeters) is transported by storm-strength westerly wind. Trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations are generated that are deposited atop hard wind or melt-freeze crusts; at higher altitude also atop a few centimeters of loose snow. On shady slopes, layers consisting of expansively metamorphosed (faceted) poorly bonded crystals are found locally underneath wind or melt-freeze crusts. Due to rainfall up to the summit regions in the afternoon the snowdrift accumulations are becoming moist again and the snowpack which is already thoroughly wet down to the ground weakens increasingly. Bordering the ground the snowpack is in many places moist to wet which enhances gliding movements of the snow masses, in particular if additionally rain runs off through open glide cracks.

Mild temperatures and heavy rainfall up to high altitudes are forecast for Thursday. The wet snow problem will shift higher up.