Wet-snow avalanches continue – Snowdrifts at high altitudes prone to triggering
As a result of the mild temperatures and the weakened snowpack due to rainfall, small-to-medium sized wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches continue to be possible. Wet-snow avalanches can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. At high altitudes, fresh, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated. Small-to-medium sized slab avalanches can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. In addition, slab avalanches can be triggered in some places in the old snow by large additional loading. Caution urged on high-altitude very steep shady slopes.
Snowpack
The snowpack has been weakened up to high altitudes through rain impact. On Monday, numerous small, but also several medium and, in isolated cases, also large naturally triggered avalanches were reported. Above 2200m there was 30cm of fresh snow registered. As a result of strong-velocity winds it was transported and fresh snowdrift accumulations were generated. These are prone to triggering. At high altitudes, particularly on shady slopes, faceted intermediate layers are evident inside the snowpack. In places, these can be triggered.
Tendency
Sunny, very mild. Ongoing frequent small-to-medium sized wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches therefore possible.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Major danger: wet-snow avalanches
Avalanche danger is moderate. As a result of the mild temperatures and rain impact, increasingly frequent wet-snow slides and glide-snow avalanches are possible. These slides and avalanches can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Due to the low snow depths, the avalanches will be small.
Snowpack
Due to rainfall on Monday, the shallow snowpack was weakened further at low and intermediate altitudes. During the nighttime hours it can consolidate slightly on the surface. During daytime hours it swiftly softens up again. Above 2000m, strong-velocity winds initially transported the fresh snow and generated small snowdrift accumulations.
Tendency
Very sunny, very mild. Increasingly frequent small-to-medium sized wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches are thus possible.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Small wet-snow avalanches due to rain
Avalanche danger is low. As a result of mild temperatures and light rainfall, wet slides and glide-snow avalanches are possible. Due to the shallow depths of snow, avalanches will remain small.
Snowpack
Up to intermediate altitudes, rain impact weakened the shallow old snowpack increasingly on Monday. During the nocturnal hours it can consolidate slightly on the surface. During the daytime hours it swiftly softens up again.
Tendency
Sunny and very mild. Thus, wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches continue to be possible.
