Bregenzerwald Mountains

Main danger: small fresh+older snowdrift accumulations and weak snow on very steep shady slopes

Main danger: small fresh+older snowdrift accumulations and weak snow on very steep shady slopes

Mostly low danger, moderate at high altitudes. Danger zones are found esp. above 2000 m: small frsh and older, now blanketed snowdrift accumulations in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and behind abrupt discontinuties in the terrain are prone to triggering. In addition, above 2200 m on very steep shady slopes the old layers of the snowpack are unfavourable. An avalanche can be triggered even by one single winter sports enthusiast, with increasing altitude even of medium size. This needs to be taken into consideration in all activities in outlying terrain. Naturally triggered releases (small slides) are possible in very steep terrain. Also where danger is low there are isolated dangerous spots in extremely steep terrain. Winter sports enthusiasts can trigger small slabs or loose slides in those areas. Apart from the danger of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall need to be given due consideration.

On Sunday there was 10-15 cm of fresh snow registered, in some places only 5 cm. Winds were light, only small snowdrift accumulations were generated, but these are trigger-sensitive with increasing altitude. Due to low temperatures the latest fresh snowfall is generally loose, often blanketing surface hoar. These layers are not visible to the naked eye. The snowpack is generally irregular: wind-exposed zones are bare, gullies and bowls are often filled to the brim with drifts. Ski tours and activities in outlying terrain are still unrewarding at low and intermediate altitudes. Further information is not yet available to the Avalanche Warning Service.

Sunday night: skies will be clear, and icy cold. In early morning, cloudbanks will move in. Monday: a pleasant but cold day in the mountains, full of sunshine and clouds, yet with good visibility. Temperature at 2000 m: -11 degrees. Winds will be W, shifting to NW, mostly moderate, brisk in gusts.

Tuesday: some sunny hours until after midday, decent visibility. In the afternoon, the cloud cover will descend, the peaks disappear in cloud, the sun take its leave. Temperatures will rise somewhat, strong westerly winds will arise, thus transporting the loose snow. New snowdrift accumulations will form in ridgeline and pass areas, and avalanche danger levels will increase somewhat.