Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

Instable snowdrifts above 2000 m

Instable snowdrifts above 2000 m

CONSIDERABLE snowdrift problem, mostly above 2000 m, depending on wind impact and the lay of the terrain. Below that altitude danger is LOW, i.e. a stark contrast over just a few metres altitude. In exposed zones there are numerous avalanche prone locations: gullies, steep bowls and steep N/E/S facing slopes. Avalanches can be triggered even by the weight of one sole person and grow to dangerously large size.

Strong westerly winds on the weekend have generated snowdrift accumulations near to and distant from ridgelines. They are not widespread or thick, but are deposited atop a base of cold powder, making them easy to trigger. A fresh layer of “champagne powder” now blankets the wind indicators.More deeply embedded weak layers are not a problem currently, merely a soft layer beneath the last melt-freeze crust, currently not a risk.

On Monday, poor visibility. Fog will be heavy. Repeated bouts of snowfall (10-15 cm in 24 hrs). NW winds at 30 km/hr above the treeline. Cold. At 2000 m: -10 degrees; at 3000 m: -12 degrees. Tuesday: low lying clouds until midday, then they will begin to disperse swiftly. Moderate northerly wind, higher temperatures.

On Tuesday, little change. In the coming days avalanche danger will decrease due to sun and higher temperatures.