Lechquellen Mountains

Warning: isolated avalanche prone locations in high alpine regions

Warning: isolated avalanche prone locations in high alpine regions

Avalanche danger is predominantly low, at high altitudes often moderate. Isolated avalanche prone locations are found most of all in high alpine regions on very steep, shady slopes. In addition, wind-loaded gullies and bowls are frequently filled with freshly generated snowdrifts. In those places, small slab avalanches (with ascending altitude also medium-sized releases) can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast. This risk needs to be given due consideration over the weekend for all activities in outlying terrain away from the secured ski slopes. At lower altitudes, avalanche danger is low for the most part.

The snowpack in early winter is of highly varied depth. In high alpine terrain in the southern regions, at elevated altitudes in the Lechquellen region and on the Arlberg an ample amount of snow exists. Particularly on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2300 m, the old snowpack from late autumn is metamorphosed (faceted). The uppermost layers of fresh snow and snowdrifts are often poorly bonded with the old snowpack beneath or with each other. In addition, the snow cover in many exposed places shows heavy wind influence. Crests and ridges are frequently windblown and bare of snow, gullies and bowls are often filled to the brim with drifts. Below about 1200 m there is only a shallow, not cohesive or area-wide snowpack. Backcountry skiing tours and activities in outlying terrain away from groomed and secured ski runs are not yet worthwhile. Further information about the snowpack is not yet available to the Avalanche Warning Service.

Friday night: clouds will begin to disperse in the early part of the night, in the latter part of the night skies will frequently be cloudless. Thus, very good outgoing longwave radiation is possible. Only in the Silvretta will the fogbanks be tenacious, thus hampering outgoing radiation. Starting Saturday morning, clouds will again move in from the south. Decent mountain weather is expected, a few hours of sunshine in the morning hours; then in the afternoon, clouds will move in from the south, gradually sheathing the Silvretta summits in fog. Further north the peaks are expected to remain in the clear, but the light will be diffuse. Winds will intensify, temperatures will drop. At 2000 m: -7 to -1 degree. High altitude winds: southerly, increasingly brisk.

Sunday impact of southern foehn wind: in the massifs north of the Silvretta it will initially be sunny, but cloudy patches can be expected. In the foehn lanes: very windy, downright stormy in places. Rising temperatures at all altitudes. At 2000 m: +2 degrees. High altitude winds: southerly, moderate to strong velocity. In high alpine regions the old snow will be transported. At low and intermediate altitudes, small slides are possible due to the warmth.