Update of the avalanche forecast for Sunday 15 March 2026.
Fresh wind slabs require caution. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
all day it applies above 1900 meter moderate avalanche danger, so danger level two, below low avalanche danger, so danger level one.
all day, above 1900 meter, we have a wind slab problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East.
Furthermore, all day, above 2000 meter, we have a persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East.
As a consequence of new snow and wind from southerly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. This applies especially on shady slopes above approximately 1900 m. The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases. This applies in case of a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. They are barely recognisable. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. As the day progresses moist loose snow avalanches are to be expected. This applies on very steep slopes, as well as at the base of rock walls, in the event of solar radiation in particular.
And now the snowpack:
Some snow has fallen. In particular along the border with Italy up to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until late morning. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Above approximately 2000 m: Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. Towards its surface, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals. This applies on shady slopes. Below approximately 2000 m and steep sunny slopes: The old snowpack will be moist. The weather conditions will give rise to thorough wetting of the snowpack at low and intermediate altitudes.
We have the following danger patterns: dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind, dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding.
The tendency for Monday 16 March 2026 indicates a steady avalanche danger.