Werdenfels Alps

Avalanche danger levels increasing

Avalanche danger levels increasing

Avalanche danger in Allgäu, Ammergau, Werdenfels and Berchtesgaden Alps above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Snowdrifts are the main problem. Danger zones are numerous, occur in steep ridgeline terrain in NW/E/S facing terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and forest clearances. Snowdrift accumulations can be triggered as slab avalanches even by 1 person. Avalanches can reach medium size. Caution towards dangers of long runout paths over hardened surfaces. In addition, small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep terrain, released by persons or naturally, esp. in shady wind-protected terrain and forest edges. Don’t overlook the risks of falling!

The loose, expansively metamorphosed old snow and the fresh snow will be far-reachingly transported, fresh drifts will accumulate in shady wind-protected terrain and be prone to triggering where they are deposited on surface hoar or large faceted crystals. Elsewhere the snow will be deposited atop wind crusts or melt-freeze crusts, beneath whichg are weak layers of faceted crystals. The snowpack is hardened and compact, often moist at ground level.

Starting on Wednesday, wet snow will become a problem.