Werdenfels Alps

Possibility of loose snow avalanches in steep terrain; in places snowdrifts

Possibility of loose snow avalanches in steep terrain; in places snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. The main problem is fresh snow which can release naturally in very steep terrain as medium-sized loose snow avalanches or be triggered by individuals engaged in wintersports. Where the snow has bonded due to wind it can also be triggered by a sole person as medium-sized slab avalanche. Such avalanche prone locations occur in steep ridgeline terrain in all aspects. Possibility of natural releases of medium-sized glide snow avalanches on steep smooth grass-covered slopes.

At lower and intermediate altitudes between 10 cm and 25 cm of new snow have fallen atop previously bare warm ground or a moist old snowpack surface with which it has bonded well. At high altitudes widespread 30 cm of new snow that fell with little wind impact. In places it was deposited atop a melt-freeze crust underneath which there are soft layers that are prone to triggering. Within the new snow, too, there is a weak layer that is triggerable. In some places close to ridgelines moderate winds from various directions generated trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations. As a consequence of solar radiation and mild temperatures bonding of the snow at the surface weakens. The old snowpack is otherwise mostly compact and stable. It is completely moist and wet down to the ground, thus enabling gliding movements over smooth ground.

The danger of dry slab avalanches will diminish. Naturally releasing loose snow and glide snow avalanches still possible