Snow report Montafon, 02/18/2017

Snow condition

In general: very poor for this time of year! If it continues like this, descents down to the valley will soon be over. Exposure on the shaded side: 1-star below approx. 1400 m and 2-star above. There is still a solid layer of snow, but stone contacts are very likely. Above 1800 m, the old tracks are no longer disturbing.exposure on the sunny side: below 2000 m 1-star and above 1-2 stars. The snow cover is rapidly thinning out. With this snow cover, even firn tours will only be possible for short periods or with long sections of walking.

Snow quality

The sun is not yet too high and the powder is conserved relatively well on the shaded side. We had fine, settled powder throughout the entire descent today. Unfortunately, there was a lack of fresh snow in the lower section.

Relatively relaxed up to approx. 2100 m. Up to this point, the snow cover appears stable. Above that, the wind signs become much more prominent and the snow packs in exposed areas increase in thickness with altitude. Wind-protected spots, hollows and gullies are well filled. I would personally avoid very steep sections, even if north-facing gullies >45° have been skied and have held up.

Overall impression

Beautiful tour away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes. The weather is supposed to change again this week and with a bit of luck there will be more fresh snow. On the shaded side above approx. 1400 m, this could still be helpful.