Pre Alps

Snowdrifts at high altitudes. Gliding snow will increase due to rainfall.

Snowdrifts at high altitudes. Gliding snow will increase due to rainfall.

Avalanche danger is moderate. Due to fresh snowfall and strong-to-stormy westerly winds, fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations are being generated. Danger zones occur in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and size of these zones increase with ascending altitude. Small-to-mediuim sized avalanches can be triggered by one person. The risks of falling need consideration, esp. on hard, icy steep slopes, despite being blanketed by fresh snow. A cautious route selection is advised. Danger of glide-snow avalanches, although their activity has receded: on steep smooth slopes in all aspects below 2200 m, small-to-medium releases are possible, difficult to assess, possible at any time of day. Circumvent glide cracks.

The fresh snow from New Year’s Eve has been transported by strong winds, the drifts lie deposited on a loose base and are prone to triggering. The old snowpack is stable by and large. Up to intermediate altitudes the snowpack is often moist down to the ground. The weight-load of the fresh snow reinforces the process of gliding over smooth ground. Due to rainfall this activity can intensify. Little snow on the ground in the Prealps.

Nocturnal hours: Extensive cloud cover and intermittent rainfall (snowfall above 1600 m). Wednesday daytime: Dry air and sunshine, esp. in the Central Alps. On Wednesday night a new front will move in. Mild at all altitudes. AT 2000 m: +1 degree. Strong to stormy westerly winds at high altitudes.

On Thursday, pleasant conditions will slowly take hold, intermittent sunshine (most in the Rätikon and Silvretta). Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.