Snow report Montafon, 01/07/2018

Snow condition

The warm spell has taken its toll on the snow below 1000m. On the south side it is already very snowed out up to approx. 1000m. On the shaded side, it is still just down to the valley (only on open areas). Above approx. 1400 m, the situation is still very good in all exposures. Even in dense forest.

Snow quality

Spring conditions prevail. You need timing for the right slopes. Unfortunately, it didn't snow through the night due to clouds. From about 1800 m the top was sufficiently stable. Between 2100-1800 m we had good firn. Below that it quickly became boggy. Unfortunately, descents only make sense on forest roads.

The avalanche situation is currently subject to the diurnal cycle. Above 1800 m bombproof in the morning. From midday onwards, it firns up quickly and quickly becomes (deep) swampy below 1800 m. The danger of sliding snow from very steep (> 35°) areas exposed to the sun should be assessed very critically. Small slides can be seen almost everywhere on extremely steep slopes. If the slopes are large enough, avalanches have considerable damage potential. Clear flags were visible above the ridges > 2200 m.

Overall impression

With the right timing, there are firn runs. Unfortunately, the poor radiation at night limited this very much. Above 2200 m the drifting snow and below that the sliding snow is a problem. The first few meters of altitude were very fine, below that it became more and more of a torture.