Snow report North chain, 01/13/2021

Snow condition

The snow conditions are still rather poor, especially at lower altitudes, and it doesn't look too bad at the top due to the last snowfall (approx. 40cm at the Seegrube), above 1500m there was at least something like a layer of old snow. At the moment, it makes no more sense to ski any further down than the valley station of the 3-person lift. At the Hungerburg there is about 10cm of snow, on the 3-person descent you can even get quite far down into the valley with stone skis and carrying passages. Let's hope that the snowfall, which is due to start this evening, will bring some more fresh snow so that you can ski down to the valley properly.

Snow quality

There must have been 40 cm of fresh snow at the Seegrube. Due to the cold temperatures, it is still nice and powdery and offers a good sinking depth. However, there is also a significant wind influence in the snow cover.

Unfortunately, the avalanche situation is critical and the signs of wind in the snowpack cannot be overlooked, the relatively strong wind in combination with the fresh snow has formed drift snow packs.above the Seegrube, the Hafelekar has blown up something in all gullies, in some cases large avalanche cones, which are slightly covered with snow again.snow slab cracks were also visible on the eastern slope. There was also a snow slab to be seen behind a ridge (on the east side), which is located in an area where there is no blasting (therefore probably self-triggering). in the next few days, caution is definitely advisable above the tree line, I can understand the 4 issued by the LWD.

Overall impression

A successful afternoon on the Nordkette!
Really good snow and the sun came out too.
The only drawback at the moment is the poor snow conditions, which don't allow for a proper descent into the valley. As the 3-seater support lift is also closed and the Hafelekar is still closed, the area is currently only suitable for freeriding to a limited extent. Take skins with you or hike. However, if the coming snowfall is heavy, it may be enough to get down to the valley better.