Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Caution: Prone to triggering wind slab and weak persistent weak layer are sometimes difficult to recognise in the terrain

Caution: Prone to triggering wind slab and weak persistent weak layer are sometimes difficult to recognise in the terrain

The avalanche risk is considerable above 2000 m and low below. Above around 2000 m, slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places and can be of medium size. The number and size of avalanche prone locations generally increase rapidly above the tree line. Transitions from little to more snow should be consistently avoided. Caution should also be exercised at the entrances to steep gullies and bowls as well as behind the edges of the terrain, where prone-to-triggering snow packs are located. These are sometimes covered in snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Avalanches that are triggered close to the surface can tear through to deeper weak layers. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger.

Prone to triggering wind slab snow lies on top of a locally very varied old snow surface, which is covered by 10-20 cm of rather soft new fallen snow. In general, there are often areas in the terrain with little snow next to considerable snowdrift accumulations. The older snowdrift accumulations and the old snow surface are in places transformed and soft, in places hard as a board. Below this, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms interspersed with crusts. Fractures usually occur around the uppermost crust, but can also entrain deeper layers.

It will become increasingly soft during the night, with fog patches forming in the valleys. On Friday, sunshine will often predominate above the fog and high cloud fields will quickly move eastwards in the morning. Visibility is usually very good. The wind will be light to moderate from west to north at all altitudes. Temperatures at 2000 m at -5, at 3000 m around -10 degrees.

Hardly any decrease in avalanche danger. The weak layers in the snowpack remain prone to triggering.