Werdenfels Alps

Circumvent fresh drifts at high altitudes

Circumvent fresh drifts at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. These can trigger a medium-sized avalanche by one sole skier/snowboarder. Avalanche prone locations occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/S facing slopes and in wind-loaded gulles and bowls. At lower altitudes the slab avalanche releases are small, larger higher up. Possibility of medium-sized glide-snow avalanches on steep smooth grass-covered slopes in all aspects, releases mostly small, but occasionally medium-sized. Possibility of medium-sized glide-snow avalanches on steep smooth grass-covered slopes in all aspects, releases mostly small, but occasionally medium-sized.

Storm-strength westerly winds will generate often trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations. The old snowpack at high altitudes contains layers of faceted, rounded crystals near crusts, these are prone to triggering in isolated cases on shady slopes. The old snowpack at intermediate altitudes is often thoroughl wet down to the ground, which reinforces gliding movemenets. In many places the fresh snow will fall on bare ground.

On Saturday, no significant change anticipated