Bregenzerwald Mountains

Main danger: fresh and older snowdrift accumulations on steep shady slopes + weak old snow

Main danger: fresh and older snowdrift accumulations on steep shady slopes + weak old snow

Starting at 2000 m, avalanche danger is moderate, at higher altitudes fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated by strong S/W winds. Avalanche prone locations are found esp. in steep ridgeline terrain, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and behind abrupt discontinuties in the terrain. Fresh and older drifts can be triggered even by one single winter sports enthusiast. In addition, above 2200 m on steep shady slopes there are weak layers of faceted crystals evident. In places, and with increasing altitudes, even medium-sized avalanches can be triggered even by one sole skier. This must be taken into consideration in all activities in outlying terrain. Apart the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall are also to be heeded.

Winds in the foehn lanes of the Rätikon and Silvretta were blowing at strong velocity from south to west, elsewhere only at light to moderate strength. Particularly in the classic foehn lanes at high altitudes, fresh snowdrift accumulations were generated which are prone to triggering. In addition, particularly in northern aspects above 2200 m, there are crusts between layers of faceted crystals which can be triggered with additional loading and are not visible to the naked eye. The snowpack was able to settle somewhat with the higher temperatures. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack became moist due to higher temperatures and rainfall, as it cools at melt-freeze crust will form which is capable of bearing loads.

Thursday night: a bit of snowfall. Snowfall level in lower Rhine Valley and on Lake Constance will be at low lying areas, in Hinterwald, Walgau and Montafon it will lie at 1300-1500 m, below that there will be rainfall. Friday: foggy, a bit of snowfall, not much will come together. Temperatures will drop: at 2000 m to -4 degrees. Light to moderate winds, shifting to NW in the evening.

On Saturday, sunshine will swiftly disperse the fogbanks and residual clouds. It will remain cold: -8 °C at 2000 m. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.