Snow report Oberstdorf, 01/14/2016

Snow condition

Very variable due to the wind. In the valley at 900 m about 30 cm and no big drifts. At 1100 m in a south-facing sheltered hollow at the edge of the forest, I dug dug once, there was about 50 cm of snow. The bottom 10 cm were frozen, coarse crystals, the rest was fresh snow. Further up, there was more wind influence and blades of grass kept sticking out. Smaller stones are covered and cow pastures are also easy to ride. But finding the tracks was quite easy, it was easy to see where there was enough snow. From 900 - 1100 m it was possible to ascend well in a hollow path in the forest, but it was not possible to ski down there. Due to the wind and the "problems" in the forest 2 stars.

Snow quality

Very different here too due to the wind. Nowhere completely blown free, however, as the old snow has held on here. It sometimes appeared as a hard crust. You had to be careful not to be surprised by it. Otherwise, it was sometimes powdery, then wind-pressed again. If it hadn't been for the spots with the old snow crust, I would have given it 3 stars.

Below the tree line a 1 was issued, I think there were tendencies towards a 2. Cracks formed in the drift snow during the ascent (approx. 2-3 m) and at approx. 1400 m I think I heard a small-scale settling noise, but I'm not entirely sure due to the omnipresent wind. However, as the whole tour was below 30°, it was quite uncritical. Nothing slipped on the descent either.

Overall impression

Finally did the first tour this winter! The visibility was better than expected and apart from the forest it was really easy to ride. And it continues to snow, from Friday to Saturday at 880 m almost 40 cm new!!! Very nice!