In wind-impacted regions a serious snowdrift problem threatens winter sports enthusiasts. Freshly generated drifted masses are bonding (for a brief spell) extremely poorly with the frequently very loosely-packed (and cold) new fallen snow from 18-19 January 2020. (Inside the fresh snow there is also graupel that could form an additional weak layer, otherwise relatively insignificant).
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| Fresh, naturally triggered snowdrift mass. Tuxerjoch (photo: 21.01.2020) |
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| Fresh snow... |
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| ...which is loose and also cold... (visible in the photo: the glittering fresh-fallen snow crystals). Start of slight wind influence (photo: 20.01.2020) |
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| Overview of the low temperatures following the snowfall |
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| ...along with wind impact. Current winds are southerly. |
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| Snow plumes on Hintertux Glacier showcase the snow transport. (photo: 20.01.2020) |
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| Weather developments of recent days at a wind-impacted station in Stubai Valley: fresh snow, temporarily low temperatures and wind impact beneath cloudless skies. |
The good part about this is that with a certain amount of experience, the snowdrift masses can be easily recognized. In addition, the snowdrift problem is not a threat throughout the land, but only in regions along the Main Alpine Ridge and in the classic foehn lanes. In wind-protected places skiers and freeriders can still enjoy great powder.
On the other hand, fresh snowdrift masses should under all circumstances be circumvented in steep terrain.
