Avalanche forecast

Caution: trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Caution: trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Due to stormy winds over the last few days, widespread snowdrift accumulations have been generated. Danger zones occur especially in W/N/E aspects above 1800 m in ridgeline terrain, on steep wind-loaded slopes, in gullies and bowls and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Avalanches can be triggered even by the weight of one sole skier/boarder; in placers the old snowpack can be swept along and the releases grow to large size. Inside the old snowpack above 1800 m are trigger-sensitive intermediate layers which can be triggered particularly by large additional loading in steep shady terrain. Due to daytime warming and solar radiation the likelihood of slab avalanches triggering on very steep sunny slopes is somewhat heightened. On sunny, rough and rocky slopes, naturally trigger loose-snow avalanches can be expected. Activities in backcountry away from secured ski runs demand experience in assessing avalanche risks on-site and knowledge of the landscape. Due to warmth and solar radiation, glide-snow avalanches and slides can be expected on steep grass-covered slopes below 2000 m during the course of the day.

Temperatures rose noticeably yesterday, up to 13 degrees. As a result of solar radiation the snowpack was able to settle and consolidate, especially on sunny slopes. Nighttime skies were clear, outgoing radiation caused a melt-freeze crust to form on south-facing slopes. In other aspects there is loose powder snow. Bonding is often poor and prone to triggering. Particularly on west-facing, north-facing and east-facing high altitude slopes, the drifts were deposited atop soft layers, bonding is poor, delicate. Inside the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes, there are layers of loose-snow and embedded graupel, easily triggered by large additional loading.

Powerful high-pressure front conditions will bring sunny and mild weather to the mountains, the skies will be cloudless by and large, the zero-degree level just below 3000 m. Westerly winds will be strong in high alpine regions. Temperature at 2000 m: +5 degrees. Brisk westerly winds at high altitudes.

Due to warmth and solar radiation the snowpack will continue to consolidate. Avalanche danger will gradually recede in the next few days.