Snow report Montafon, 02/03/2019

Snow condition

The snow conditions are very good in all exposures from approx. 1000-2200m. At high altitudes, exposed areas can still be an issue, but these are very easy to assess. From the tree line it is excellent. Downhill runs are possible but below 800 m it can be poor in places.

Snow quality

There is fine fresh powder. The quality was best from around 1600-1900m. Below that it got damp quickly and above that the wind is an issue. Sheltered areas can also be perfect above that. At the moment it is not yet exposure-dependent.

Yesterday's warming has allowed a pronounced layer of slippery snow to form. The fresh snow from the night (approx. 10-15 cm) lies on top and is very easy to disturb. If it gets too steep (approx. 38°+), the whole thing can pick up speed. In the off-piste terrain, everything is a bit more relaxed. Some of the fresh snow was already lightly bound and above the tree line with wind, the amount of drift snow increased steadily. There wasn't much to see today and my observations were limited to a small section.

Overall impression

A few nice turns were possible today and the snow reached chest height. However, as visibility was limited and the snow cover was easy to disturb, we stayed above the tree line up to around 1400 m. It was best there. If the fresh snow can settle and the binding improves, then descents could be possible further up. It should get warmer in the medium term.