Snow report Kitzbühel Alps, 02/23/2020

Snow condition

Good snow conditions in the imperial north compared to the rest of the region. This spring classic is mutating into almost the only tour spot accessible from the valley in high winter this year. Below the tree line, there is a lot of blown away snow from the middle altitudes.

Snow quality

Yesterday there was still a lot of compact powder in the descent from the Kleiner Törl to the hut. But otherwise a lot of exposed wind-broken harsch. Much worse snow on the surface than last weekend. In the night to today, from top to bottom, only cardboard, where the fresh snow came to rest. The best part today was therefore the blown-off top (below 1800 carrying, with phatasie a bit firny). The second star only applies to Saturday.

I dug up a small weak layer on the western slope behind the hut while collecting melted snow. It's gritty between two crusts, but I think it's rather small-scale. With the rain and warmth since today, the focus is shifting back to the sliding snow problem and higher altitudes.

Overall impression

Yesterday a nice short powder run and a cozy overnight stay in a hut, perfect. Today, quickly down before the rain and home. A nice trip, but far from a potential highlight of the season.