Bregenzerwald Mountains

Main danger : older snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Main danger : older snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Amid moderate-strength northerly winds, mostly small-sized snowdrift accumulations have been generated which can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast. Superficial layers in wind-impacted steep terrain, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain are often still prone to triggering. Danger zones increase in size and spread with ascending altitude. In addition, on steep, less-tracked shady slopes in high alpine regions or in transitions from shallow to deep snow, deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack are triggerable by large additional loading. As a result of solar radiation and daytime warming, more slides and small-sized loose-snow avalanchs are possible. On steep grass-covered slopes, isolated small glide-snow avalanches are also possible. Below 2000 m, isolated small avalanches can release in extremely steep terrain.

In exposed pass and ridgeline areas, small snowdrift accumulations have been generated afresh due to moderate-strength NE winds. The new snowdrift masses were often deposited atop surface hoar, particularly at intermediate altitudes. In ridgeline and pass areas, behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain and in wind-exposed terrain, older snowdrift accumulations occur and are often poorly bonded with the snowpack surface or other intermediate layers. On shady leeward slopes and at low altitudes the fresh snow is often loose. At high altitudes on shady slopes in particular, there are still weak layers inside the snowpack which are not visible to the naked eye. At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is generally well consolidated. There is often surface hoar evident, esp. at low and intermediate altitudes.

Nocturnal hours: Fog will extend up to 1700-200m, above that the skies are clear. Minimum snowfall is possible. Saturday: no significant change in weather conditions, far-reaching fogbanks including summits of 2000 m, above which the skies will be variably cloudy with some sunshine. Bright intervals possible in Rätikon and Silvretta. At 2000 m: -10 degrees; moderate E/NE winds.

On Sunday, high-pressure front conditions will bring quite sunny weather and little wind. High altitude cloud will hamper the sun occasionally. Temperatures will rise slightly. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.