Werdenfels Alps

Beware the dangers of taking a fall

Beware the dangers of taking a fall

Avalanche danger is moderate above 1800 m, otherwise danger is low. Gliding snow is the main problem. On very steep slopes with smooth ground the activity of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches will increase as the day progresses, releases mostly small. Avoid zones below glide cracks. In addition, the fresh snow at 1400-1800 m becomes moist during the day and can slide/glide in extremely steep terrain. Mind the risks of taking a fall. In addition, fresh snowdrifts can be problematic at high altitudes. The occur near ridges on N/E/S facing slopes and can be triggered by a single skier, releases are mostly small. Mind the danger of falling.

At high altitudes the few cm of fresh snow lies deposited atop a melt-freeze encrusted surface which is capable of bearing loads; in shady wind-quiet terrain atop soft layers. Due to westerly winds, the snow is being transported and small snowdrift accumulations have formed. Bonding to the old snowpack is inadequate. At lower altitudes the fresh snow is better bonded with the old snowpack surface. In the uppermost layers of the snowpack at high altitudes, isolated expansively metamorphosed layers are evident, otherwise the old snowpack is thoroughly wet down to the ground. Gliding movements on smooth slopes are the result. As temperatures rise the fresh snow and drifts become moist during the day, forfeit their firmness and can begin to slide over steep rocky ground.

As the weekend nears it will become sunnier and warmer. Wet-snow during the daytime will be the problem.