Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Daytime loss of snowpack firmness and high-alpine snowdrifts

Daytime loss of snowpack firmness and high-alpine snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2300m is MODERATE, otherwise LOW in early morning, then rising to MODERATE by midday. Avalanche prone locations for slab avalanches occur at high altitudes in NW/N/E aspects, in high alpine regions also in southern aspects on steep slopes. Particularly in shady terrain, even minimum additional loading is sufficient to release a small-to-medium slab avalanche. Danger zones are near to ridges and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Naturally triggered wet loose-snow avalanches (also from addtional loading) are possible in sun-drenched steep terrain and isolated glide-snow avalanches in extremely steep grassy terrain. These can reach medium size, in isolated cases large size.

Fresh snow and drifts from the weekend have settled well, the proneness to triggering (E/S) has receded. Steep sunny slopes have a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads in early morning, then softening up quickly during the daytime, depending on aspect and altitude. Subsequently, wet loose-snow avalanches (natural or triggered by skiers) are possible. Also some medium releases as glide-snow avalanches are conceiveable.

On Tuesday, following a night of frequently star-studded skies with a few clouds, it will be sunny. Winds will be light to moderate from S/SW. Warmer than in the last few days. At 2000 m: 6-8 degrees, at 3000 m +1 degree. On Tuesday night there will be good outgoing longwave radiation. Also on Wednesday, sunny, a few clouds, diffuse light conditions. Some southerly foehn wind in exposed terrain. At 2000 m: 10 degrees, at 3000 m: 2 degrees.

Due to significant warming, a pronounced daytime danger cycle of naturally triggered avalanche activity. Time management is crucial! In high alpine regions, particularly on north-facing slopes, caution urged towards snowdrifts.