Allgäu Alps West

Often considerable danger at high altitudes - Wet-snow avalanches due to rain and warmth

Often considerable danger at high altitudes - Wet-snow avalanches due to rain and warmth

Fresh snow and snowdrifts are the main problem at high altitudes. Danger zones increase in frequency and size with ascending altitude. One sole person can trigger a small-to-medium sized avalanche in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Activities in backcountry terrain demand experience in assessing avalanche risks on-site. In very steep rocky terrain, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches, and in wind-loaded zones slab avalanches, are possible.

Due to warmth on Tuesday night and rainfall up to high altitudes, the snowpack is weakened. Inside the drifts are weak layers, e.g. graupel. Fresh snow and drifts lie deposited atop a thoroughly wet and thereby weakened snowpack surface (with graupel). Bonding deteriorates with ascending altitude. Faceted layers evident esp. on shady steep slopes. At low altitudes the fresh snow of recent days fell on bare ground.

Nocturnal hours: heavily overcast skies, rainfall in the latter part of the night up to over 2000 m. Thursday: instable and windy conditions, predominantly overcast skies, rain shower up to over 2000 m. In the afternoon the snowfall level will descend to below 2000 m. At 2000 m: +6 to +2 degrees. Brisk to strong westerly winds.

Friday will bring snowfall above 1600 m, accompanied by strong W/SW winds. On Saturday, snowfall down to 1000 m. Avalanche danger could increase at high altitudes. Danger of wet-snow avalanches will recede as temperatures drop.