Snow report Sölden, Ötztal, 03/16/2014

Snow condition

Different: From Vent (1900m) in the direction of the Busch Hütte there is enough snow, on the south side there is significantly less than on the shady north-facing slopes, but still enough, although some of the ridges and crests are blown off. Around the Busch Hütte (2500m) the snow situation is also ok, I couldn't give you exact snow depths as the snow was heavily influenced by the wind throughout the winter and so in some places there is just 20 cm, in others well over 2 meters. If you walk the 4 km further to the Similaun hut (3000m), things look quite different: Due to the more southerly location, quite a bit has stuck here and the hut owner says that there hasn't been this much snow for 32 years.

Snow quality

A bit of everything: South-facing slopes were very gummy in the morning, but by midday they were already nicely firned up. In the late afternoon, the south-facing slopes were usually no longer skiable because you were often knee-deep in slush. In the afternoon, you also had to watch out for cavities under the snow cover that you could easily break into. North: Where the wind couldn't attack, you found the best powder, about 30 cm. In most places, however, the wind formed a layer of harsh snow that was often stable.

1-2 The only thing you had to watch out for was wet snow avalanches, which often rolled down the south and east-facing slopes in large quantities. On the ascent to the Busch hut, one more or less went off right in front of us. See photo. Open your ears! Wet snow avalanches usually announce themselves with a rumble! Other dangers: Crevasses are mostly closed. Nevertheless, keep your eyes open. Rockfall: On the south side, the frost is loosening and so we were able to observe large rockfalls from the hut time and again. See photo. Wind: We had to abort our planned tour to the Finailspitze on Saturday due to strong gusts just before the summit ridge.

Overall impression

Optimal conditions for all ski tourers. Best weather and enough snow!