Werdenfels Alps

Size and frequency of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude.

Size and frequency of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude.

Above the timberline avalanche danger on the main Allgäu ridge and in the Ammergau and Werdenfels Alps is considerable; below that altitude it is low. Fresh snowdrift accumulations are the main problem. Danger zones occur esp. in steep ridgeline terrain on S/W/N facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered as medium-sized slab avalanches even by minimal additional loading. The frequency of avalanche prone locations increases with ascending altitude. In addition, isolated glide snow avalanches can be expected esp. on very steep slopes with a smooth ground beneath in all aspects - natural triggering is possible. Glide cracks are covered, thus, hard to spot. At higher altitudes these releases can reach medium size.

Easterly winds generate fresh snowdrift accumulations above the timberline which are deposited atop the soft new snow of the most recent precipitation period. The dry snowpack is 30 to 50 cm deep and in places contains embedded trigger-sensitive intermediate layers.Shooting cracks indicate that the snowpack structure is prone to triggering. The old snowpack is thoroughly moist, often wet down to the ground. Gliding movements over the ground are thereby enhanced.

Avalanche danger will continue to decrease.