Danger level

1600m

Persistent weak layer		1600m
Wind-drifted snow		Treeline

At elevated altitudes a precarious avalanche situation will still be encountered. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack could not consolidate.

Dry avalanches can as before be released by small loads and reach large size in isolated cases. Small and medium-sized natural avalanches are, however, not entirely ruled out. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, caution is to be exercised on steep slopes also below the tree line, as well as at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain.
Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. In the event of solar radiation this applies in particular on steep sunny slopes.
Ski touring and snowshoe hiking call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.

Snowpack

Towards its surface, the snowpack is fairly homogeneous; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. In some places new snow and wind slabs are lying on surface hoar. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise.
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular on shady slopes. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

Tendency

As a consequence of highly fluctuating temperatures and solar radiation the snowpack will settle. This applies in particular below the tree line.

Danger level

treeline

Persistent weak layer		Treeline
Wind-drifted snow		Treeline

Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack necessitate caution. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

The near-surface layers of the snowpack necessitate caution and restraint. Dry avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach quite a large size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found on steep shady slopes, also below the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Especially places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are treacherous. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Meticulous route selection is important.
The fresh wind slabs are easy to recognise but prone to triggering. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular above the tree line, caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.

Snowpack

dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

Precarious weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places.
The moderate wind will transport the loosely bonded old snow. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

Tendency

A precarious avalanche situation will persist. As a consequence of low temperatures and the northwesterly wind, the snowpack can not consolidate.