Werdenfels Alps

Avalanches release themselves.

Avalanches release themselves.

The avalanche risk is high above 2000 metres and considerable below that. The main problem is the predicted new fallen snow. Many self-triggering dry slab avalanches are to be expected due to the additional load of the new fallen snow. These can become large at high altitudes. In addition, individual winter sports enthusiasts can trigger avalanches, especially on steep slopes where the snow is bonded by wind. From extremely steep, rocky terrain, the new fallen snow is released in the form of loose snow avalanches.

Wet snow is also problematic. Due to the rainfall, gliding avalanches can be expected from very steep terrain with a smooth surface at medium altitudes and wet loose snow avalanches from steep terrain interspersed with rocks. Wet snow avalanches are to be expected on all slopes that have not yet been discharged up to approx. 1800 m and can reach medium size. Open snow mouths indicate avalanche prone locations. Exposed transportation routes can be hit by wet avalanches.

Snowdrift accumulations can be found in all aspects. At higher altitudes, they often lie on graupel, old surface hoar, soft intermediate layers or in the area of thin crusts on faceted crystals. Above 1800 m, there are weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on shady slopes. Up to around 1800 m, the snowpack becomes soaked through rainfall. At medium altitudes, the base of the snowpack is usually wet.

The avalanche situation remains tense.