Werdenfels Alps

Persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 1800m is moderate. Weak layers in the old snowpack are the main problem Slab avalanches can be triggered even by the weight of one sole person, particularly by large additional loading. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain especially in shady aspects, near ridgelines, in steep high altitude terrain and in shallow snow. Avalanches can grow to medium size. In addition, gliding snow requires high attentiveness. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally at any time of day or night, particularly on sunny steep grass-covered slopes, in some places in shady terrain near the forest rims. and on rock plates. At high altitudes they can reach medium size.

Mild temperatures have helped the snowpack to settle and consolidate. Powder or wind-impacted snow has been generated in ridgeline terrain at high altitudes on north-facing slopes. The uppermost metre of the snowpack often has a weak layer beneath a melt-freeze crust, this has persisted. At high altitudes, there are intermediate layers of faceted crystals. At low altitudes the snowpack is moist down to the ground. Gliding movements over smooth grass-covered slopes are less frequent but still possible in the heights.

Avalanche danger levels will diminish further.