Bregenzerwald Mountains

Main problem: fresh snow and snowdrifts

Main problem: fresh snow and snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above the timberline is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Slab avalanches of medium size, in isolated cases also large size, can be triggered even by minimum additional loading, e.g. the weight of one sole skier. Danger zones occur particularly near ridgelines, but also distant from ridgelines in steep terrain, gullies, bowls, behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain. Frequency of danger zones increases with ascending altitude. Particularly in extremely steep terrain, loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. In addition, isolated avalanches can be triggered from the persistent weak layer, esp. in extremely steep shady terrain. Small avalanche releases are possible by large additional loading. At intermediate and high altitudes, isolated glide-snow avalanches continue to be possible on smooth, steep slopes.

There has been 45-65 cm of fresh snow registered. It fell amid heavy W/NW wind impact and was deposited atop a snowpack surface with springlike temperatures, dominated by melt-freeze crusts. Therefore, the fresh fallen snow will bond well with the rough-hewn surfaces. The stability of the snowpack is worse in wind-protected shady terrain at high altitudes due to the expansively metamorphosed (faceted) layers and wherever the fresh snow is blanketed by fresh snowdrifts. At intermediate altitudes there is little snow on the ground. At low altitudes the fresh snow was often deposited on bare ground.

It will be a cold day in the mountains, with strong E/NE winds which will make it seem even colder. Dense clouds will bring a few snow showers, focal point from Kleinwalsertal to Arlberg region. At 2000m: -13 degrees; at 3000m: -21 degrees. Intensifying E/NE winds during the daytime.

On Monday the temperatures will rise, but sunshine will be limited. Moderate to brisk easterly winds. Starting on Monday, avalanche danger will recede.