Werdenfels Alps

Small loose-snow avalanches trigger naturally due to sunshine

Small loose-snow avalanches trigger naturally due to sunshine

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/SW facing slopes, behind discontinuities in the terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, releases small-to-medium sized. Slabs can be triggered by 1 person, e.g. a skier. Solar radiation triggering moistly small loose-snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain naturally, possibly medium sized in regions such as Werdenfels where recent snowfall has been heavy. In isolated cases small glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep grass-covered slopes.

Stormy westerly winds have transported the fresh snow and generated new snowdrift accumulations. Inside the drifts are trigger-prone layers. In transitions to the old snowpack at high altitudes a weak faceted layer has formed at high altitudes due to low temperatures. The proneness to triggering increases with ascending altitude. Beneath a melt-freeze crust in the uppermost part of the snowpack is a wet layer which can be triggered in some areas. Elsewhere the old snowpack is compact and stable; thoroughly moist and wet down to the ground. Also the fresh fallen snow will moisten through warmth and solar radiation on Monday, forfeiting its bonding, possibly triggering as loose snow.

Persistent warmth on Tuesday will further consolidate the snowdrifts, danger will recede somewhat.