Danger level
 | 1800m
|
Avalanche Problem
 | | Wind-drifted snow |
|  | |  |
 | | Persistent weak layer |
| | | |
A dangerous avalanche situation will prevail. New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.
Caution and restraint are important.
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in all aspects, also in areas close to the tree line, as well as below the tree line. Avalanches can in many places be released very easily and reach large size in isolated cases.
Natural avalanches are possible. As a consequence of the sometimes strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally as the day progresses. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high) the avalanche danger is higher.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
Over a wide area 10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday, in particular in the north and in the northwest. In the southeast a little new snow. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. The brittle wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers in all aspects.
Precarious weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack.
Tendency
The avalanche conditions are to some extent precarious. New snow and wind slabs are to be assessed with care and prudence.
Danger level
 | 1600m
|
Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
| | | |
| | Persistent weak layer |
| | | |
Considerable, level 3. The fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger.
The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects above approximately 1600 m. Avalanches can in many places be released easily and reach medium size.
Avalanches can additionally be released in deeper layers also. 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 an appreciable 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
The strong wind has transported some snow. The brittle wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack.
Precarious weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Tendency
Hardly any decrease in avalanche danger.
Danger level
| treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
| | | |
| | Persistent weak layer |
| | | |
A dangerous avalanche situation will prevail. The new snow and wind slabs remain prone to triggering.
Caution and restraint are important.
The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects. This applies above the tree line, as well as in areas close to the tree line. Avalanches can in many places be released easily and reach medium size. As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally as the day progresses. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise.
Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday. The strong wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. The brittle wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers.
Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack have confirmed poor snowpack stability.
Tendency
A critical avalanche situation will persist in some regions. Caution and restraint are recommended.