PowderAlert 8 2020/21 | Wild, Warm, West!

The first episode in French-speaking Switzerland was a bit confusing and there was no alarm, but now everyone finally has their Ullrflix subscription and we never miss an episode again. Unfortunately, the cliffhanger of this second episode is that it's getting warm.

And as if the warmth wasn't enough, there's also supposed to be a lot of rain coming down. Together with heavy storms and the rollercoaster of temperatures, the cocktail with the weak old snow cover will be seriously hazardous to health.

Alert period and areas

The alert will last until Friday late evening. Then there will be a short break in the precipitation before it continues. As everything varies greatly from this point onwards, especially how warm or cold it gets, there will then be a follow-up episode of this season on Friday.

The areas extend along the northern slopes of the Alps from the Hautes Alpes to the Dachstein, although the core lies between France and the Arlberg, as is usual in the west.

Wind

Storm and hurricane. Ullr gives the unstable snow cover no dysentery. Full amounts deep into the inner Alps, such as Valais or Graubünden, and to the main ridge, or even further.

Snowfall limit

It's going to be a wild ride. In the west it goes up to just under 2000m, while towards the Dachstein it stays snowy from 1200-1400m. But then it will drop again everywhere until Friday. Towards Graubünden in the center it will remain snowy from 1400-1600m. This may also vary in the inner Alps. In Valais it will probably not rain as much as in the French Prealps.

PG Fresh snow forecast for the next 2 days.

The amounts

East of the Arlberg, 30-50cm of snow, possibly up to 70cm in congested areas

In the core, from the Arlberg to the Hautes Alpes, mostly 80-110cm of snow, 100-130cm in west congested areas and I don't want to rule out 150cm in isolated cases, because it's supposed to really rattle. However, only quite high up because of the fluctuating snow line.

Where should I go?

High-altitude trees in the inner Alps. I would recommend Graubünden if you can get to Switzerland. In Vorarlberg and Tyrol, somewhere high up towards the main ridge. There is no sunshine. Not even on Saturday, it's still snowing. Which is better considering the potential dangers. That way, nobody gets any stupid ideas.

Medium-term

After that, it will continue to snow. Whether it will get quite cold again or not is still completely uncertain. Interestingly, it is more likely to warm up again after the weekend. However, it is very likely to remain wet. After this cycle, the thick blankets of snow should at least cover the weak foundations in many places.

Powder to the people!

Your oracle, who is lamenting the 2-3 degrees too much in the Black Forest and will watch the base turn into high water.

Snow height tip game

The Wild West is at the station "L'Ecreuleuse 2252m" from 26.1. to 29.1. 21:00h: Post your tip by Wednesday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. either here as a comment, or in the Forum.