Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanche danger will increase during the daytime, particularly from the west. Medium sized slab avalanches from snowdrifts can be triggered even by minimum additional loading above the greeline, particularly in gullies and bowls and behind protruberances in the landscape in all aspects. Above 2200m avalanches can be triggered from more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack and often grow to large size. Settling noises and glide-craceks are indicators of danger. Isolated naturally triggered avalanches are possible at high altitudes. Particularly in the afternoon, snowdrift accumulations will be difficult to spot due to poor visibility.

Over the last 72 hours there has been 20-40 cm of fresh snow registered over widespread areas. On Monday an additional 10 cm will be added to it. The fresh snow was transported far-reachingly. Inside the fresh and older drifts there are weak near-surface layers (graupel, decomposed snow). The bonding to the old snow at low and intermediate altitudes is generally good. Above 2000m the snowdrifts often lie atop faceted crystals near crusts. On wind-protected shady slopes above the trereline there is often surface hoar. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, with several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

On Monday, visibility until past noon will be acceptable, intermittent sunshine is possible. In the afternoon, visibility will deteriorate, clouds and fog will increase. Towards evening, snowfall will set in widespread. Amounts of fresh snowfall: 10 cm, most of it in the western massifs. Winds will be moderate to brisk from west to northwest, reaching peaks of 100 km/hr on the Main Ridge in the evening. At 2000m: -10 degrees; at 3000m: -15 degrees. On Monday night, persistent snowfall is expected, bringing 10-20 cm, the NW winds will be blowing at strong to storm-strength.

On Tuesday avalanche danger levels will increase particularly in western regions due to fresh snowfall and wind.