Werdenfels Alps

Naturally triggered avalanches are possible at any time.

Naturally triggered avalanches are possible at any time.

The avalanche risk is high above 1800 m, below that it is considerable. The main problem is new fallen snow. The many avalanche prone locations are in steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects, behind slope discontinuities and in gullies and bowls. Slab and loose snow avalanches can detach themselves and become large.

Gliding avalanches can detach themselves on very steep meadow slopes. They can reach medium size.

Around 60 to 70 cm of new fallen snow has fallen across the region, locally even more. Some very large snowdrift accumulations have formed, which are covered by new fallen snow in some places. Another few centimetres will be added overnight. The snowfall will be accompanied by moderate to strong winds from northerly directions. The new and wind slab snow is lying on soft snow and is prone to triggering. Weak layers prone to triggering and graupel are embedded within the new snow pack. In the upper part of the old snowpack, there are weak layers of faceted crystals. The underlying snowpack is generally well stabilised. On smooth, wet ground, the snowpack starts gliding snow.

Spontaneous avalanche activity is decreasing, the avalanche situation remains critical.