Werdenfels Alps

Heed small trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Heed small trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: the freshly generated snowdrift accumulations. Above the timberline in steep ridgeline terrain and wind-loaded gullies and bowls, small slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast. The risks of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses. In extremely steep terrain, furthermore, small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.

As a consequence of fresh snow and wind over the last few days, far-reaching snowdrift accumulations have been generated. Inside the drifts there are often intermediate layers produced by wind-calm precipitation. The higher temperatures will help to settle and consolidate the snowdrift masses. The old snow is well settled and superficially melt-freeze encrusted wherever the ground was not bare prior to the precipitation.

Depending on the intensiveness of precipitation, avalanche danger levels could increase on Thursday.