Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Danger zones particularly in shady ridgeline terrain

Danger zones particularly in shady ridgeline terrain

In high alpine regions, behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain and on wind-protected slopes at the foot of rock cliffs, fresh snowdrift accumulations have been generated from the new snow and brisk westerly winds since Tuesday, particularly on north-facing and east-facing ridgeline slopes. Observations of fresh, also naturally-triggered avalanches on Tuesday demonstrate ust how trigger-sensitive the snowdrifts are. They’re mostly small, easily recognized pending good visibility. Where there has been more snowfall, avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases and present a danger to winter sports enthusiasts. In addition, the old now blanketed snowdrift accumulations from last weekend are still prone to triggering in isolated cases. Danger zones are found on very steep (>35°) shady slopes above 2500 m, in somewhat wind-protected terrain such as gullies and bowls. Avalanches can in isolated cases attain medium size. From the point of view of skiers, most favourable at the moment are wind-protected, moderately steep slopes distant from ridges. In these zones the avalanche danger is minimal, but there is also loose, fresh snow which can be enjoyed in some places in the snow-filled bowls...without meeting up with rocks.

Particularly on shady slopes, the snowpack layering is currently unfavourable. Generally the lower part (of the still shallow snowpack) is a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystals which (depending on altitude) have been formed over the recent weeks and months. The necessary slab is still lacking to cover the potential weak layers. In isolated cases it is found in the form of older, blanketed snowdrift masses in gullies and bowls above 2400 m and in fresh, easily recognized, but highly trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses in summit zones. In general, winter sports in outlying terrain still have insufficient snow. Above 2000 m the overall snow depth is 40 to 70 cm. The snow is distributed very irregularly: wind-exposed terrain is bare, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim.

Wednesday: from the start, visibility is limited due to heavy cloud, although some sunshine is expected along the Main Alpine Ridge. Winds will be moderate from the west near summit level. At 2000 m: -8 to -6 degrees; at 3000 m, -13 degrees. Thursday: very sunny from the start. Only a few cloudbanks in the valleys will limit visibility. No precipitation. Westerly winds at summit level along the Main Alpine Ridge will be moderate. At 2000 m: -7 degrees; at 3000 m: -13 degrees.

Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly. In high alpine regions, ongoing moderate danger of dry-snow avalanches.