Allgäu Alps West

Fresh snowdrifts on north-facing slopes still prone to triggering

Fresh snowdrifts on north-facing slopes still prone to triggering

Snowdrifts generated over the last few days are frequently still prone to triggering, can be triggered as small-to-medium sized slab avalanches. Danger zones occur primarily on steep ridgeline north-facing slopes, behind steep drops in the terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and spread of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude, in high alpine regions they include west, east-facing slopes as well. If avalanches on high-altitude shady slopes fracture down to deeper weak layers, they can in isolated cases then grow to medium size. Such isolated avalanche prone locations occur in spots where the snow is shallow or in transitions from shallow to deep snow. As a result of strong solar radiation, small wet loose-snow avalanches can trigger in extremely steep terrain.

Fresh snowdrift accumulations from Sunday lie atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface on north-facing slopes. They are mostly small-sized and shallow, apart from high alpine regions. Somewhat deeper snowdrifsts were generated particularly at high altitudes. On steep south-facing slopes there is often a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads which then softens up during daytime hours. The mid-level part of the snowpack consists of well-settled, compact layers widespread which on high-altitude shady slopes cover a poorly structured old snowpack fundament.

On Tuesday an intermediate high will bring good weather for winter sports. Residual clouds will swiftly give way to sunshine. Cirrus clouds will remain thin. Temperature at 2000m: -4 to 0 degrees; at 3000m: -10 to -6 degrees. Predominantly light to moderate-strength northerly-to-westerly winds at high altitudes.

Avalanche danger not expected to change significantly until Wednesday, due to high-pressure weather conditions. But as the cold front hits Wednesday night, danger will increase.