Werdenfels Alps

Wet snow problem also higher up!

Wet snow problem also higher up!

Avalanche danger above 2000m is considerable; below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: wet snow. Moist or wet loose snow avalanches can trigger naturally in extremely steep terrain in all aspects, especially on the sunny side. At high altitudes, where snowfall of recent days has been heaviest, avalanches can grow to large size. At intermediate altitudes they are mostly small. In addition, snowdrift accumulations at high altitude can still be triggered by large additional loading. On heavily wind-loaded slopes they can also grow to large size.

Mild temperatures, rain, and sunshine soften the snowpack up to high altitudes. The snowdrifts generated during the last precipitation period settle and bond gradually. Above approximately 2200m the old snowpack still contains layers with large faceted crystals. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is thoroughly wet and diminishes increasingly.

Avalanche danger decreases slowly.