Snow report Montafon, 12/23/2017

Snow condition

I think the snow conditions are well within the average range. Much of the terrain such as stones, streams, uneven terrain, etc. are well snowed in. The exposures on the shady side have significantly more snow. But there is also a good base on the sunny side. Some of the extremely steep terrain on the south side has already moved downhill.

Snow quality

Powder in various forms. Highly compacted, very light wind cover, well settled and fluffy. From approx. 1800 m you can feel a thin crust of rain (with approx. 15 cm of settled powder on top) due to the warm front. Doesn't bother you when skiing. The snow was best on the NW side from approx. 2300-1800m.

Relaxed above 1800 m. Very few older self-releases from extremely steep terrain. No warning signs noticed in the snowpack on the ascent or descent. Everything seems to be very compact and well connected. South-facing slopes are partly unloaded or have larger fish mouths.

Overall impression

Fresh snow, sunshine and cold temperatures combined with a beautiful snow-covered high mountain landscape. That's recreation. The avalanche situation was relaxed today and there were hardly any people around. Now it will be warm for a while but the base is right and with further snowfall many good tours are possible.