Werdenfels Alps

Up to 1800 m, well settled, stable snowpack

Up to 1800 m, well settled, stable snowpack

Avalanche danger above 1800 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. Few danger zones, occurring near ridges, in wind-loaded steep NW/E/SE terrain and in drifted gullies and bowls. Even the weight of one sole skier can trigger a medium-sized slab avalanche, particularly in transitions from shallow to deep snow. At intermediate altitudes, small glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in isolated cases over smooth, steep grass-covered slopes.

The Bavarian Alps will get a minor amount of fresh snow by Friday midday, rainfall initially up to 1400 m. Intensifying NW winds will generate some snowdrifts at high altitudes. Recent drifts have bonded well. The intermediate weak layers with embedded graupel are still prone to triggering. The surface is dominated by melt-freeze and wind crusts. On leeward slopes there is still compact powder. Wind signs are everywhere evident. Exposed crests and ridges are windblown, leeward gullies are filled with transported snow and bonded drifts. At high altitudes there are deeply embedded layers of faceted crystals beneath melt-freeze crusts inside the old snowpack. At intermediate altitudes the fundament is compact, often moist down to the ground, which reinforces gliding movement of the entire snowpack.

Variable, cold weather conditions will be changed on Sunday with the arrival of a high-pressure front. Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly.