Lechquellen Mountains

Considerable avalanche danger due to fresh snow and drifts

Considerable avalanche danger due to fresh snow and drifts

Fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrifts are the main problem. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. They increase in size and frequency during the course of the day and with ascending altitude. One persons can trigger a medium - sized avalanche. Activities in backcountry terrain demand experience in assessing avalanche risks on-site. In very steep rocky terrain, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches, and in wind-loaded zones slab avalanches, are possible.

Tonight another 10-20 cm of fresh snow is forecast for high altitudes which will be transported by intermittently strong winds, generating further fresh snowdrift accumulations which increase with ascending altitude in both size and frequency. Inside the drifts are weak layers. The fresh snow and drifts lie deposited atop an old snowpack which is thoroughly wet up to high altitudes. Bonding is good, but deteriorates with ascending altitude. At low altitudes the fresh snow often fell on bare ground.

Nocturnal hours: snow showers down to low lying areas, tapering off later in the night. Tuesday: final snow showers will taper off and sunshine is expected. In the afternoon, high clouds will move in from the west. At 2000 m: -11 to -4 degrees. Brisk northerly winds, later shifting to westerly.

Temperatures will rise on Wednesday. Diffuse light, light intermittent snowfall above 1500 m. Strong westerly winds. Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly.