Werdenfels Alps

Often trigger-prone snowdrift accumulations at high altitude

Often trigger-prone snowdrift accumulations at high altitude

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: fresh snowdrifts. Slab avalanches (small-to-medium) can trigger in some places by 1 person. Danger zones occur in steep rigeline terrain on N/E/SE facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Beware the dangers of taking a fall. In addition, wet snow can be a problem. Wherever smooth grass-covered slopes still have sufficient snow, wet glide-snow avalanches can release at any time of day or night. Danger zones occur seldom but in all aspects at higher altitudes. Glide-snow avalanches are usually small, can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts as moist loose-snow slides in steep terrain, and can trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain.

The snowpack surface is thoroughly moist. Precipitation and dropping temperatures will deposit some fresh snow atop the compact and stable snowpack, bonding well with the old snow but quickly becoming moist and forfeiting its firmness. The snowpack is often wet down to the ground. On steep slopes, gliding movements are the result. Below 1500 m, hardly any snow on the ground, even on north-facing slopes.

On Sunday, higher temperatures, wet snow will be at the forefront of the risks.