Werdenfels Alps

Wind can cause a risk of slipping snow.

Wind can cause a risk of slipping snow.

The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below it. The main problem is fresh wind slab. Slab avalanches can be triggered with little additional load. This is possible above the tree line in the steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines in the north to east to south aspects as well as in gullies and bowls in many places. Avalanches reach medium size.

Smaller gliding avalanches can detach themselves on individual, very steep, sunny slopes.

As the front approaches, the wind picks up from the north-west and it starts to snow. The new fallen snow comes to rest on a soft snow surface. Prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations develop on leeward slopes. In addition, weak intermediate layers in the area of melting snow caps and graupel are embedded in the upper metre of the snowpack in places. The snowpack base is compact and largely stable. Deep-lying layers of faceted crystals are difficult to disturb. On the south side, the snow is often wet towards the ground. Sliding movements on smooth ground are possible.

The avalanche situation will remain tense for the next few days.