Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Slab avalanches of medium size can in some places be triggered from snowdrifts even by minimum additional loading, i.e. the weight of one person, especially in gullies and bowls and behind irregularities in the landscape on NW/N/SE facing slopes. In some places above 2200m they can fracture down to deeper weak layers in the old snow and thereby grow to large size. Settling noises and glide-cracks are indicators of imminent danger. Isolated naturally triggered avalanches are also possible at high altitudes. Snowdrift accumulations will be difficult to recognize in afternoon due to poor visibility.

Over the last 72 hours there has been 20-40 cm of fresh snow registered over widespread areas. On Monday an additional 10 cm will be added to it. The fresh snow was transported far-reachingly. Inside the fresh and older drifts there are weak near-surface layers (graupel, decomposed snow). The bonding to the old snow at low and intermediate altitudes is generally good. Above 2000m the snowdrifts often lie atop faceted crystals near crusts. On wind-protected shady slopes above the trereline there is often surface hoar. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, with several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

On Monday, visibility until past noon will be acceptable, intermittent sunshine is possible. In the afternoon, visibility will deteriorate, clouds and fog will increase. Towards evening, snowfall will set in widespread. Amounts of fresh snowfall: 10 cm, most of it in the western massifs. Winds will be moderate to brisk from west to northwest, reaching peaks of 100 km/hr on the Main Ridge in the evening. At 2000m: -10 degrees; at 3000m: -15 degrees. On Monday night, persistent snowfall is expected, bringing 10-20 cm, the NW winds will be blowing at strong to storm-strength.

On Tuesday avalanche danger levels will increase particularly in western regions due to fresh snowfall and wind.