Snow report North chain, 03/24/2019

Snow condition

Still good snow conditions at higher altitudes, although this has already decreased somewhat, especially on the south side. Good snow conditions in north-facing gullies and cirques. Further down, of course, it's getting scarcer and scarcer, although today we were still able to ski down a north-west-facing valley to Gießenbach at just under 1000m.

Snow quality

Snow quality very dependent on exposure and time. East and south-east facing slopes become soft very quickly, for firn you have to be early. From an altitude of around 2000m, you shouldn't ski much later than 10 am in these exposures. On the west side, there is a good cover of harsch, which softens much later. In north-facing exposures there is still powdery snow. So look for north-facing cirques and gullies ;)

Wet loose snow avalanches are the main danger at the moment. Due to the high temperatures and strong sunlight, a lot has come down from sunny terrain during the course of the day.

Overall impression

Finally being able to tick off a beautiful, steep north-facing gully. The conditions are good at the moment as the snow there is still powdery but not too deep. Afterwards, a leisurely ascent to the Eppzirler Scharte and from there a descent on the north side in good snow. Later, there was a bit of training for the arms, as you have to push hard to get to Gießenbach (especially as a boarder).