Lechquellen Mountains

Fresh snow and snowdrifts at high altitudes - Wet-snow avalanches persist

Fresh snow and snowdrifts at high altitudes - Wet-snow avalanches persist

Fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrifts are the main problem. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. They increase in size and frequency during the course of the day and with ascending altitude. One persons can trigger a medium - sized avalanche. Activities in backcountry terrain demand experience in assessing avalanche risks on-site. In very steep rocky terrain, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches, and in wind-loaded zones slab avalanches, are possible.

At high altitudes, 20-40 cm of fresh snow are forecast. This will be intermittently transported by strong wind, generating further snowdrift accumulations. These will increase in size and frequency with ascending altitude. There are weak layers embedded inside the drifts. Fresh snow and drifts lie deposited atop a thoroughly wet snowpack surface, bonding is good, but deteriorates with ascending altitude. At low altitudes the fresh snowfall often was deposited on bare ground.

Nocturnal hours: intermittent showers will pass through from the north, intensify in the eaerly morning. Snowfall level will descend by morning to 600 m. Monday: most peaks shrouded in fog, snow snowfall in the morning, sometimes heavy. Thereafter the snow showers will taper off before returning with renewed strength in the evening. At 2000 m: from -5 to -10 degrees. Strong NW winds.

Tuesday will begin sunny and cold, more cloud will move in during the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to rise. Winds initially brisk from the north, then shifting to westerly. Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly.