Allgäu Alps Central

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations on the main Allgäu ridge

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations on the main Allgäu ridge

Avalanche danger above 1800 is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. The main problem are snowdrifts. Slab avalanches reaching medium size can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast, in particular at altitudes above 1800 m. Avalanche prone locations are found mostly on steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines in NW/E/SE aspects and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Size and frequency of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude.

Most of the snow that fell in the last few days was transported by westerly winds. Weak intermediate layers that are prone to triggering are embedded in the snowdrift accumulations and at transitions to old snow. Bonding between the layers deteriorates with ascending altitude. Windward areas are blown bare. During a partly clear night a melt-freeze crust forms at lower altitudes on the moist shallow snowpack, which softens again during the day due to a little sunshine and mild temperatures.

As of mid-week the avalanche danger will rise again due to the anticipated precipitations.