Avalanche forecast

Fresh snowdrift accumulations are easily triggered!

Fresh snowdrift accumulations are easily triggered!

As a result of fresh snow and winds, avalanche danger will increase during the morning. The new snow and new drifts can easily be triggered by one single skier/boarder. Avalanche prone locations are found near to and distant from ridges on steep slopes, behind protruberances, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and size of the danger zones will increase during the course of the day. Activities in backcountry demand experience in assessing avalanche risks on-site. Weak layers in the old snow can be triggered by one sole skier/boarder, particularly in Rätikon, Silvretta and Verwall on NW/N/NE facing slopes, especially above 2000 m on seldom-frequented backcountry terrain in transitions from shallow to deep snow, e.g. at entries into gullies and bowls. Superficially triggered avalanches can fracture down to deeper layers and then grow to large size. In addition, at intermediate altitudes on smooth, steep grass-covered slopes small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Snowfall in the morning, sometimes heavy. With stormy W/NW winds the snow will be massively transported. The snowdrift accumulations will increase during the next few hours and be extremely easy to trigger. In Rätikon, Verwall and Silvretta, weak layers threaten from deeper down inside the snowpack. Danger zones occur where the snow is shallow on steep slopes and in transitions from shallow to deep snow, particularly in seldom-frequented backcountry terrain. Avalanches can fracture to deeper layers and grow to large size. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moist, which furthers the gliding movement of the whole snowpack.

Inhospitable weather in the mountains: stormy winds, often heavy snowfall in the morning, resulting in massive snow transport. This afternoon the snowfall will temporarily slacken off, but visibility will remain reduced due to clouds and fog. Towards evening the snowfall will re-intensify. Temperatures will drop, at 2000 m from -3 to -7 degrees. Stormy W/NW winds at high altitude.

On Monday night, heavy snowfall. The snowfall will ease on Tuesday morning, in the afternoon it will taper off. Winds will be strong to stormy from the northwest. Avalanche danger will increase widespread on Monday night.