Snow report Oberstdorf, 01/27/2021

Snow condition

Snow conditions in the Nagelfluhkette are good. Above the tree line and in larger aisles between 1400m and 1800m it has blown everything away in places. In some places, the entire ground is sticking out again where there was previously over 1 m of snow.

Snow quality

Was ok to ride. Powdery in places in sheltered areas. Drifting snow also quite soft (on flat terrain) but also hard and icy in places, but a bit better on slopes and hollows protected from the westerly storm and in the forest BUT:

Be careful, the drift snow is here in masses. Even in the dense forest there are some drifts that are rarely seen, and in the steep terrain west at around 1500m the first smaller slab avalanches of the year were observed here on the Nagelfluhkette. One of the tracks was triggered by wild animals, the other spontaneously. About 40 degrees steep and slightly rocky slopes (see photo 4 and 5).

Overall impression

"Sunrise tour" to the Oberlauchalpe at 1400m. Recommended up to the tree line. Anything above that is not worth skiing at the moment as it is blown over and quite dangerous. I'm cautiously pessimistic about the development of the snow cover over the next few days.