Persistent weak layers
- Above treeline
Moderate avalanche danger at higher altitudes
Moderate avalanche danger at higher altitudes
As a result of foehn-wind impact, generally small-sized, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated in places at high altitudes. Older drifts from last week are still prone to triggering in places at high altitudes. Winter sports enthusiasts can triger small, in isolated cases medium-sized avalanches in wind-loaded zones, particularly on steep W-N-E facing slopes and in transitions from shallow to deep snow, for example at the entry into gullies and bowls.
As a result of brisk to strong-velocity southerly winds, fresh snowdrifts have accumulated particularly in high-altitude ridgeline and pass areas. These were deposited on shady high altitude slopes top loosely-packed old snow and are prone to triggering. Bonding of the fresh snow and drifts from last week to the often faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface and unfavorably structured layers inside the snowpack is only moderate-to-poor from place to place. As a result of mild temperatures, the snow at low and intermediate altitudes is moist and the surface is melt-freeze encrusted in early morning. At low altitudes there is little snow on the ground.
Montag will bring sunny weather. Temperatures will drop slightly. The southerly wind will be feelable but will not disturb. Temperature at 2000m: dropping to +1 degree; at 3000m: -6 degrees. Moderate to brisk southerly winds at high altitudes.
Avalanche danger will recede only gradually due to weakly structured snowpack.
Bulletin data: Avalanche Warning Service Vorarlberg (CC BY 4.0)