Snow report Ammer Mountains, 01/24/2016

Snow condition

The amount of snow is rather below average. The snow that fell before and during the last cold spell ensured that there was a thick blanket of snow down to the valley and that many ski tours are possible again in the Ammergau mountains. However, the last 3 warm days have greatly reduced the amount of snow. It is often still possible to start from valley locations and there is still enough snow in the forest or in scree cirques. At the moment, touring is still possible, apart from the risk of coming into contact with stones. However, the question here is how much longer it will be possible.

Snow quality

Contrary to expectations, the snow quality on the shaded side was quite good. From the valley up to about 1600m above sea level, there was a soaked snowpack, which was already partly frozen again at the time of our departure (about 14:00). However, the high temperatures did not have such a strong influence everywhere. Above 1600m above sea level, the snow was good to ski on. It was a load-bearing layer of harsh snow that had thawed a little.

At this altitude and exposure, I wouldn't see the drifting snow as the main danger, but rather the warming during the day. More wet loose snow fell from the rock faces due to the warming. It was also interesting that some of this wet snow slid/rolled down the slope, forming snow rolls up to 1m in diameter.

Overall impression

I was surprised to find that the snow on the north side was still quite good and the snow cover was not yet very wet.