Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Caution towards isolated snowdrift masses

Caution towards isolated snowdrift masses

Avalanche danger is low. Isolated snowdrift patches are small, but can occur in all aspects. Bonding to the snowpack beneath is generally good, but on shady high altitude sloeps small slab triggerings cannot be ruled out. In addition, in regions where recent snowfall has been heavy the danger of glide-snow avalanches requires special caution. Slopes beneath glide cracks should be avoided.

The shift from higher to lower temperatures has stabilized the snowpack. The surface is melt-freeze encrusted, on shady slopes there is compact powder. Due to the lack of fresh snow and the hardened snowpack surface only minor drifts have been generated, often a thin layer atop the melt-freeze crust. Bond to the old snow is inadequate only in shady terrain. At higher altitudes on shady slopes, there are faceted crystals inside the fundament (persistent weak layer).

On the southern flank of the Alps skies will be predominantly overcast on Friday morning. As of midday, minor snowfall is possible. Winds will be strong to stormy from the northwest. Temperature at 2000 m: dropping to -7 degrees.

A northerly air current will make the variable conditions and relatively cold mountain weather continue also on Saturday. South of the Main Alpine Ridge, not much fresh snow is expected. Avalanche danger will not change significantly.