Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Persistent weak layer and small snowdrifts

Persistent weak layer and small snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2300 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Weak layers inside the old snowpack can on shady slopes above approximately 2300 m still can be easily triggered, particularly on wind-protected slopes at the foot of rock walls or behind abrupt discontinuties in the terrain. Avalanches can attain medium size. In addition, fresh snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering, particularly on steep (>35°) N/E facing slopes above 2500 m. Danger zones occur behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, in gullies and bowls. Isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes as well as small wet loose-snow avalanches, du to a thoroughly wet snowpack, sunshine and warmth. Reports from the relevant regions with regard to the persistent weak layer are few and far between currently (due to the snow situation); for that reason, these estimates are uncertain.

On high-alpine north-facing slopes the snowpack lay<ering is unfavourable due to a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystals in the fundament above 2300 m. This applies particularly to wind-protected slopes. Snowdrift accumulations which have been generated since Saturday lie atop soft layers, particularly on shady slopes at high altitude, and are prone to triggering in places. Warm temperatures help the snowpack to settle, consolidate the drifts. Amid very mild temperatures and solar radiation, the snowpack became moist on Sunday up to high altitudes, often as far up as the summit regions. During the night a superficial crust formed, this softens up during the day. Below 1800 m there is little snow on the ground.

Above the layers of fog, visibility on Monday will be good from the start, only some cirrus clouds high above summit level. As of midday, cloudbanks will move into the Northern Alps, light will become diffuse. Winds will be light to moderate from W/S. Mild: at 2000 m, 2-5 degrees, at 3000 m, 0 degrees.

No significant change.