Bregenzerwald Mountains

Beware small snowdrifts

Beware small snowdrifts

Avalanche danger is predominantly low. As winds intensify, however, fresh small-sized drifts can easily be triggered as small avalanches, particularly near ridgelines and behind sharp drops in the terrain. In addition, isolated avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading in extremely steep terrain. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall require attentiveness.

The small, shallow snowdrifts generated on steep shady slopes have bonded only poorly with the old snowpack surface. On steeper shady slopes, a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads is evident widespread, this softens up during daytime hours. The old snowpack is generally well-settled and compact.

Following the sunshine until past midday, cloud cover will move in during the afternoon from the west. In late afternoon, a striking cold front will move in, with storm-strength gusts and plummeting temperatures. Temperature at 2000m: dropping from +1 to -7 degrees; at 3000m: from -4 to -14 degrees. Initially moderate-strength SW winds, in afternoon strong-to-storm strength westerly to northwesterly winds at high altitudes.

A marked cold front will bring fresh snowfall and wind. Avalanche danger will increase.