Update of the avalanche forecast for Wednesday 18 February 2026.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

all day it applies above 2100 meter high avalanche danger, so danger level four, below moderate avalanche danger, so danger level two.

all day, above 2100 meter, we have a persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East. Furthermore, all day, above the treeline, we have a wind slab problem. This in all aspects.

Attention, a special warning: Outside marked and open pistes a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.

Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2100 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. In addition the fresh wind slabs of the last few days in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some locations. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. The avalanche situation is a little more favourable in highly frequented terrain.

And now the snowpack:

Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong to storm force at times. The snowpack will be prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on surface hoar. Distinct weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. Reports filed by observers and released avalanches confirm the distinct avalanche danger.

The tendency for Thursday 19 February 2026 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

Have a nice day and don't forget to be careful!