Werdenfels Alps

In particular below 2200m, small to medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches possible in steep terrain.

In particular below 2200m, small to medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches possible in steep terrain.

Avalanche danger above 2200m is low, danger below that altitude is moderate. The predominant avalanche problem is wet snow. Due to rising temperatures and diffuse incoming radiation small to medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches can release spontaneously in steep rocky terrain in all aspects following a minor daytime danger cycle. Small glide snow avalanches can start sliding over the smooth ground on steep grass-covered slopes.

At high altitudes the snowpack is generally well consolidated and stable. On shady higher altitude slopes there is often powder frozen unbonded onto the surface; in wind-exposed places there are frequently wind-crusts. On sunny slopes, the melt-freeze crust which is breakable in the morning, softens during the day because of mild temperatures. Thus the snow forfeits its firmness. Below 2200m the snowpack becomes moist at the surface also in shady terrain because of reduced outgoing longwave radiation. The snowpack base is also partly moist which can promote gliding of the snowpack. On south-facing slopes the ground is almost bare up to about 1400 m.

Minor precipitations on Tuesday night will worsen the wet snow problem. On Wednesday, small snowdrifts can be generated at high altitudes that are prone to triggering.