Werdenfels Alps

Snowdrifts above 2200 m still prone to triggering

Snowdrifts above 2200 m still prone to triggering

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main danger: trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations, mostly easy to recognize, triggerable by one sole person, particularly on steep N/E ridgeline slopes. Releases can grow to medium size, enough to bury a person in snow masses if more deeply embedded layers fracture. In addition, on steep rocky slopes and extremely steep grass-covered slopes where the snow is sufficient, small wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. Most wet-snow activity can be expected on south-facing slopes at high altitude.

In ridgeline terrain at high altitude there are fresh and older snowdrifts which are prone to triggering. Furthermore, inside the old snowpack above 2200 m there are weak layers of faceted crystals bordering againset embedded melt-freeze crusts, these can also be disturbed. Otherwise the snowpack has stabilised and settled over the last few days. Below 1400 m the ground is mostly bare of snow, fragments at intermediate altitudes are usually melt-freeze encrusted and, on shady slopes in particular, icy. The warm temperatures and sunshine will make the snowpack wet and cause it to forfeit its firmness.

Avalanche danger will continue to diminish.