Werdenfels Alps

Snowdrifts prone to triggering, especially at high altitude

Snowdrifts prone to triggering, especially at high altitude

Avalanche danger above 1800m is considerable, danger below that altitude it is moderate. Main problem: snowdrifts. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by 1 individual in particular on steep ridgeline slopes (>30°) in N/E/S aspects as well as distant from ridges behind terrain protuberances and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and size of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. Additionally, medium-sized loose snow avalanches can release naturally or be triggered by a single skier in extremely steep zones (>40°). At intermediate altitudes glide snow avalanches can in addition release naturally, in particular on steep grassy slopes that have previously been bare of snow. Glide snow avalanches can attain medium size.

Heavy snowfall continues on Saturday accompanied by stormy winds. Fresh snowdrifts will be deposited atop soft layers and are prone to triggering. Within the snowdrifts, too, there are weak intermediate layers. The older snowdrifts of the last few days can still be triggered, but in particular at lower altitudes they have bonded comparatively well with the moist old snowpack and are cohesive. At intermediate altitudes the snow of the last few days is settling considerably due to diffuse incoming radiation and is becoming increasingly moist. The snowpack base is wet. Gliding movements of snow masses over smooth ground are the consequence.

For the time being avalanche danger remains tense.