Danger level
Avalanche Problem
 | | Wind-drifted snow |
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 | | New snow |
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A dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area. New snow and wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from southeasterly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last two days in all aspects, caution is to be exercised on steep slopes also below the tree line. Even single backcountry tourers can release avalanches in many places, including medium-sized ones, in the regions exposed to a lot of wind in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation and. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released easily in all aspects.
Slides can occur on cut slopes. This applies in particular in case of releases originating from very steep starting zones that have retained the snow thus far. Older wind slabs are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint are required.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
Over a wide area 30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Friday in all altitude zones. The southerly wind has transported the fresh and old snow. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on soft layers in all aspects and in all altitude zones. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated. Stability tests and field observations confirm this situation. The weather conditions will prevent a rapid change towards better conditions.
Tendency
A precarious avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.
Danger level
 | treeline
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Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
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| | Wind-drifted snow |
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Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint.
On wind-loaded slopes a treacherous avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released easily in all aspects. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly the avalanches are only shallow. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow has fallen since Saturday. In some cases new snow and wind slabs are lying on surface hoar. As a consequence of a strong wind from southeasterly directions, easily released wind slabs formed in the last few days in all aspects. Avalanches can be released by small loads and reach medium size. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable.
Tendency
Hardly any decrease in avalanche danger. Wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
 | treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
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 | | Persistent weak layer |
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Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant especially on steep shady slopes above the tree line, caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly the avalanches are medium-sized.
Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants, especially in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. This applies especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Towards its surface, the snowpack is unfavourably layered and its surface has a crust. In some places relatively hard layers of snow are lying on soft layers. The wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places at intermediate and high altitudes.
Steep shady slopes: The old snowpack will be prone to triggering in some places. Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals.
Tendency
Fresh and older wind slabs require caution.
