Werdenfels Alps

Isolated snowdrifts accumulate at high altitudes

Isolated snowdrifts accumulate at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: wet snow. Wet loose snow avalanches can trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain. Wherever there is still enough snow, in addition possibility of glide snow avalanches triggering naturally in steep terrain with smooth ground. Avalanches are generally small to medium-sized. In addition, fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations were generated above 2400 m. Danger zones are found in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/S aspects as well as in freshly wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Even a single skier can trigger a medium-sized slab avalanche.

Heavy rainfalls up to summit altitudes will lessen during the second half of Friday night. These considerably weaken the already thoroughly moist snowpack, i.e., the snow can release spontaneously in steep terrain. The ground layers of the snowpack are also wet which promotes gliding of the snow masses over smooth ground. The snowpack has strongly receded due to the rain. North-facing the ground has become bare up to 1400 m, south-facing up to intermediate altitude summit regions. Only at high altitudes above 2400 m precipitation falls as new snow and will be transported by strong westerly wind. In places, the fresh snowdrifts can be prone to triggering.

During the next few days the weather will stay variable and mild. The wet snow problem will decrease only slowly.