Danger level
 | treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
 | | Wind-drifted snow |
|  | |  |
 | | Persistent weak layer |
| | |  |
Fresh wind slabs require caution. Individual weak layers exist in the old snowpack.
As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form. These are in some cases quite large and can be released easily. Avalanches can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line.
In isolated cases avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow and reach medium size in some cases. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above the tree line, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Significant increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. The old snowpack is faceted; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. The northwesterly wind will transport the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. In the course of the day the wind slabs will increase in size appreciably. The brittle wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. Further increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of new snow and strong wind.
Danger level
 | treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
| | | |
| | Persistent weak layer |
| | | |
Wind slabs represent the main danger.
The fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. In the course of the day the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. Avalanches can in many places be released easily and reach medium size.
Avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach medium size. This applies in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until late morning, in particular in the north and in the northwest. The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. The brittle wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers. The old snowpack is faceted; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Tendency
Further increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.
Danger level
| treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
| | | |
| | Persistent weak layer |
| | | |
Wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack are treacherous.
The fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. In the course of the day these will increase in size additionally. Avalanches can in many places be released easily and reach medium size.
Avalanches can additionally be released in near-surface layers also. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. 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.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger. Meticulous route selection is important.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
In the north and in the northwest 5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until late morning, in particular along the border with Tirol. In the south and in the southeast a little new snow. The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. The brittle wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers.
Precarious weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.
Tendency
As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the prevalence and size of the avalanche prone locations will increase on Thursday, especially in the north.
Danger level
 | treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
Slight increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of new snow and strong wind.
The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes, especially adjacent to ridgelines above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent but are easy to recognise.
Snowpack
Thus far only a little snow is lying below approximately 1600 m. Hardly any weak layers exist in the snowpack.
Tendency
Moderate, level 2.