Werdenfels Alps

Beware loose snow avalanches in steep terrain and in places snowdrifts.

Beware loose snow avalanches in steep terrain and in places snowdrifts.

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. The main problem is fresh snow which can release naturally in very steep terrain in all aspects as medium-sized loose snow avalanches or be triggered by individuals engaged in wintersports. Where the new snow has bonded due to wind it can also be triggered by a sole person as medium-sized slabs. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep ridgeline terrain in NE/E/S aspects. Possibility of naturally releases of medium-sized glide snow avalanches on steep smooth grass-covered slopes.

Widespread 15-25 cm of new snow by Wednesday evening (at high altitudes 30-40 cm) with little wind impact. At intermediate altitudes the new snow will be deposited atop bare ground or a moist old snowpack surface with which it can mostly bond well. At high altitudes the new snow will in places be deposited atop a melt-freeze crust underneath which soft layers were able to form that can be prone to triggering. There are isolated squalls that can transport the new snow; locally, snowdrift accumulations are generated that are prone to triggering. The old snowpack is otherwise mostly compact and stable. Up to high altitudes it is completely moist and wet down to the ground, thus enabling gliding movements over smooth ground.

As there will be sunshine on Thursday, it is likely that further loose snow avalanches will trigger naturally.