Snow report Arlberg, 01/29/2018

Snow condition

Also very good. Fully adequate from the starting point in the valley. But further west on the Arlberg there is even more. It's already completely soaked at the bottom and there's still a good 30cm. It still holds, even when it gets warm.

Snow quality

The night was not completely clear, or rather it only became clear in the late 2nd half of the night. This was very noticeable on the sunny side. On the shaded side up to 1800m there was still a lot of wind-influenced powder. It was nice to ski. There was never any firn on the south-facing side and after the initial crust, it was soggy.

Relaxed on the shaded side. Partly critical on the sunny side, especially in extremely steep terrain. During our ascent, a very large loose snow avalanche came loose on the south-east side. We couldn't see the area where the avalanche had started, but it was definitely the size of a burial. Possibly wet loose snow and then a wet snow avalanche. Also be careful on cornices, these are just giving way and are also coming.

Overall impression

The alternative plan was very good and we found some nice snow. Anyone who recognizes it: Yes, the descent was made, last time on Saturday.