Bregenzerwald Mountains

Main danger: snowdrift accumulations and persistent weak layer on very steep shady slopes

Main danger: snowdrift accumulations and persistent weak layer on very steep shady slopes

Low danger prevails predominantly, moderate danger at higher altitudes. Avalanche prone locations are found particularly above 2000 m. Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, as well as behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, are prone to triggering. In addition, above 2200 m on very steep shady slopes there are unfavorable layers in the snowpack. One sole winter sports enthusiast can trigger a small slab avalanche, also a medium sized release with increasing altitude, something needful of close consideration in outlying terrain. Also in zones where avalanche danger is low there are isolated danger zones in extremely steep terrain. Winter sports enthusiasts can trigger a small slab or slide. The danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall outweighs that of being buried in snow masses.

In higher altitude ridgeline and pass areas the loose old snow has been transported by intermittently strong velocity winds, thus forming fresh snowdrift accumulations. These, as well as older snowdrift masses, are prone to triggering, more so with increasing altitude. Particularly on very steep shady slopes above 2200 m the old snowpack from late autumn is expansively metamorphosed (faceted) in some places. Such intermediate layers are trigger-sensitive when stepped on by winter sports enthusiasts, and they are not recognizable. In some places surface hoar has been blanketed or the surface is highly unfavorable. The snowpack is very irregular: wind exposed zones are bare, gullies and bowls and areas behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain are full of drifts. Skiing tours and activities away from the secured ski runs are not yet rewarding at low and intermediate altitudes. More information about snow layering is not yet available to the Avalanche Warning Service.

On Friday night: light snowfall from compact clouds. In the Montafon it will probably remain dry. On Saturday: wintery weather in the mountains, limited visibility, light to moderate snowfall in the afternoon, temperatures dropping. At 2000 m: from -5 to -9 degrees. High altitude wind: light to moderate from varying directions.

On Sunday: light snowfall in the morning hours. Later on, skies will brighten. Due to only minor snowfall, avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.