Werdenfels Alps

Snowdrift problem at high altitudes. Wet-snow problem will increase during the day.

Snowdrift problem at high altitudes. Wet-snow problem will increase during the day.

Avalanche danger is considerable above 2000 m, below that altitude danger is moderate, rising over the course of the day to considerable above 1400 m. Main problem: snowdrifts. These can still be triggered by one sole skier in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/SW facing terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanches are mostly medium sized, also large in high altitudes in isolated cases. Danger zones increase in frequency and size with ascending altitude. In addition, in very steep terrain in all aspects, moist and (at lower altitudes) wet loose-snow and isolated slab avalanches can trigger naturally and grow to medium size. On smooth steep grassy slopes and in sparsely wooded zones, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches can release naturally. Likelihood of triggering increases during the course of the day.

The fresh snow which has fallen over this last week is settling. Due to higher temperatures and diffuse radiation, and rainfall in some places, the snowpack is moistening again to an increasing degree, thereby forfeiting its firmness which makes it possible to release naturally. The snowpack is often wet down to the ground, enhancing gliding movement. Various layers of fresh snow and ddrifts from recent days are bonding, but in some places are still prone to triggering.

The wet-snow problem will persist over the next few days. The snowdrift problem will recede.