Allgäu Alps Central

Glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. Beware of small-scale snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes.

Glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. Beware of small-scale snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes.

Avalanche danger above 1400 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. The main problem are snowdrifts. Avalanche prone locations are primarily found in steep ridgeline terrain in S/W/N aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Size and frequency increase with ascending altitude and experienced individuals can recognize them easily. In places, avalanches can even be triggered by minimum additional loading such as a single skier. In isolated cases, slab avalanches at high altitude can attain large size, in particular if more deeply embedded layers in the old snowpack are also triggered. Additionally, glide snow avalanches that are mostly medium-sized can release naturally on smooth ground, e.g., on steep grass-covered slopes. Glide cracks are indicators of this danger. As a consequence of solar radiation and warming the danger of small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches triggering in steep rocky terrain in addition increases during the course of the day in south aspects.

Spatially limited fresh snowdrifts are accumulated during Monday night; in leeward zones these are deposited atop older snowdrift accumulations or surface hoar. Graupel is embedded in particular adjacent to ridgelines and below rock faces. In the old snowpack at higher altitudes there are weak intermediate layers of faceted crystals close to crusts. The snowpack depths in the terrain vary strongly; in wind exposed places and at lower altitudes it is below average, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim. In the main Allgäu ridgeline first glide cracks are opening above approximately 2000m on steep grass-covered slopes. Up to an altitude of about 2000 m the snowpack is moist down to the ground which promotes gliding of the snow masses. At lower altitudes, a thin crust can form in south aspects during the night which softens again during the course of the day.

The danger of dry slab avalanches will slowly recede due to calm high pressure weather.