Snow report Brandnertal / Rätikon, 12/08/2019

Snow condition

Snow? Not a chance. There's nothing at all on the south side up to almost 1800 m, and then only very little. The situation is generally poor. On the north side there is snow from about 1000 m, but the snow cover only grows slightly up to 2000 m. If there's a lot, it's about 20 cm of heavily settled powder on a crust. Below 2000 m it's more hara-kiri than fun. My health is more important to me than making turns off-piste.

Snow quality

Due to the low position of the sun, the snow would be very fine to ski in many exposures. If there was snow ;-). On the south side it is a fine crust due to the high temperatures. Significant plus degrees up to 2000 m are still manageable. The current temperature gradient is contributing negatively to the build-up transformation.

LLB up to 2200 (1) above (2). The strong wind influence is clearly visible. Many exposed areas such as ridges or ridgelines are free of snow. Troughs and gullies appear to be better filled. The risk of falling or crashing due to obstacles is definitely higher.

Today only the action from the icy piste. Lots of people, few slopes and machine-made snow is an explosive mixture. Luckily I got down without a collision. If it goes on like this, I'll have to switch to piste touring to enjoy touring. Snow is urgently needed.