New fallen snow triggers as loose snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain.
Avalanche danger above 1600 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. New fallen snow is problematic and can trigger spontaneously as loose snow avalanches in steep terrain in all aspects. For the time being avalanches will remain mostly small. In addition, a single person can release a small slab avalanche. This is applies in particular to steep high altitude slopes adjacent to ridgelines. Frequency and size of the releases increase as the day progresses.
Snowpack
At intermediate altitude the fresh snow is deposited atop a patchy, encrusted but stable old snowpack, in south aspects atop bare ground. At higher altitudes the fresh snow is deposited atop soft snow layers, especially on the shady side. Bonding of new snow and old snowpack is partly poor, making it prone to triggering. On exposed ridges, the new fallen snow will be bonded slab-like by northerly winds. However, winds are too weak to transport larger quantities. Near the ground, the snowpack is wet and rough-grained.
Tendency
Heavy snowfalls are forecast and with the onset of wind avalanche danger could increase further over the next few days.
BEFORE NOON Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
AFTERNOON Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
Onset of winter and relevant amounts of new snow during the course of the day.
Avalanche danger is low in the morning, rising to moderate above 1600 m during the course of the day. The main problem is new snow which can trigger spontaneously as loose snow avalanches in steep terrain in all aspects. Releases are small. In addition, a single person can release a small slab avalanche. This is applies in particular to steep high altitude slopes adjacent to ridgelines. Currently, the number of avalanche prone locations is still low, but will increase somewhat as the day progresses. Isolated glide snow avalanches can trigger on steep grass-covered slopes that have not yet discharged. Releases, if any, are most likely in the Allgäu and are mostly small.
Snowpack
At intermediate altitude the fresh snow is deposited atop a patchy, encrusted but stable old snowpack, or in south aspects atop bare ground. At higher altitudes the fresh snow is deposited atop soft snow layers, especially on the shady side. Bonding of new snow and old snowpack is partly poor and can be prone to triggering. Near the ground, the snowpack is wet and rough-grained.
Tendency
Depending on the amount of new snow and with the onset of wind avalanche danger can increase further during the next few days.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
Some new snow atop
Avalanche danger is low. New fallen snow can be problematic. In isolated cases the new snow can release naturally as loose snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain. Releases are small. Frequency of avalanche prone locations increases slightly during the course of the day.
Snowpack
The fresh snow is deposited atop a patchy, encrusted but stable old snowpack, in south aspects atop bare ground. At higher altitudes the fresh snow is deposited atop soft snow layers, especially on the shady side. New snow and old snowpack have not bonded well everywhere. Therefore, the snow can be prone to triggering in some places. Near the ground, the snowpack is wet and rough-grained.
Tendency
Depending on the amounts of new snow and onsetting winds, avalanche danger will rise during the next days.
