Werdenfels Alps

Increasing sink-in depths during the day are bellwethers of wet-snow avalanche danger

Increasing sink-in depths during the day are bellwethers of wet-snow avalanche danger

Avalanche danger increases from low to moderate during the daytime. Main problem: wet-snow. Isolated danger zones occur particularly on sunny, rocky steep slopes. In the course of the day, small to medium-sized loose-snow avalanches can trigger. On steep grass-covered slopes and in sparsely wooded areas, glide-snow avalanches are possible on smooth ground. This applies mainly to the Allgäu and the afternoon. Isolated glide snow avalanches can grow to large size.

In the morning, the snowpack has a crust which is capable of bearing loads and the surface is very hard and by and large stable. In the morning sun and warm temperature turn the snow to firn, first on east-facing slopes, then also on south-facing and west-facing slopes. At intermediate altitudes the snow is in places also superficially soft on shady slopes. When softening the snowpack forfeits its stability and cohesion. At ground level the snow is often wet up to high altitudes, which enhances gliding movement of the entire snowpack. Snowpack depths are below average for this juncture of the season; on sunny slopes there is hardly any snow left up to 1500.

Tuesday will be overcast and a little cooler. The avalanche danger will not change significantly.