Snow report North chain, 02/21/2021

Snow condition

At higher altitudes above approx. 1600m the snow conditions are relatively good, even higher up from 1900m it is definitely good. Mountain pines are still well covered in snow, the cirques and gullies are well filled, and the snow situation is now of course very dependent on exposure and the south-facing slopes are already thawing out higher and higher up. This should be taken into account when choosing a tour, otherwise you can carry your skis on your back for quite some time.

Snow quality

In our gully (north-facing 2550 - 2300m, protected from the sun and wind) we still got really good powder snow. In the equally shady cirque below, there was settled but still nice powder snow, but wherever the sun comes in, this is directly noticeable in the snow quality. On the steeper south side, there is already good firn on early descents. In other exposures, the quality of the snow varies greatly (from crushed harsh snow to blown snow to a stable cover, everything is there). in my opinion, it is currently advisable to either ski a little higher (>2000m) on the north side or steep on the south side for firn. For firn, however, it is essential to take the time planning into account. We left today (22.02.) at 10:15 a.m. on the steep south side from 2350m, which was perfect. On the south-east side you should be there even earlier, on the south-west side you can of course also be there a little later.

It is currently almost spring-like conditions. If you start and leave early, you'll be well on your way, and with the warm temperatures, you should watch out for wet loose snow avalanches as the day progresses. Sliding snow avalanches are certainly also an issue, as the strong wind has transported snow. At higher altitudes (according to the LWD >2400m on the north side) there is still drift snow to watch out for.

Overall impression

Once again, we discovered a beautiful, lonely gully in the Karwendel, which probably no one has skied before. Last weekend we turned back at the start as we didn't have a good feeling due to the drifting snow and cold temperatures. Now we've made up for it in almost perfect conditions. Nice powdery snow, only the entrance at the top was a little blown away.
Always beautiful in the Karwendel! :)