Danger level
 | treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
 | | Wind-drifted snow |
|  | |  |
 | | Persistent weak layer |
|  | |  |
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be critically assessed.
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can in some cases be released easily. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase at high altitude and in the high Alpine regions.
In particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow and reach large size in some cases. This applies in particular above the tree line.
Gradual increase in danger of gliding avalanches as a consequence of warming.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
As a consequence of a sometimes strong northwesterly wind, extensive wind slabs formed in the last few days. The brittle wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially precarious. Various wind slab layers are lying on soft layers. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Danger level
| 1800m
|
Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
| | | |
| | Persistent weak layer |
| | | |
A critical avalanche situation will prevail.
The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily in all aspects. Avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach large size. Caution is to be exercised also below the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. In the north and at elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.
Gradual increase in danger of gliding avalanches as a consequence of warming.
Caution and restraint are important.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
As a consequence of a strong wind from northerly directions, extensive wind slabs formed in the last few days in all aspects. The brittle wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and field observations confirm poor snowpack stability.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
 | treeline
|
Avalanche Problem
| | Wind-drifted snow |
| | | |
| | Persistent weak layer |
| | | |
New snow and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence.
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released easily in all aspects. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. This applies above the tree line, as well as in areas close to the tree line. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
Gradual increase in danger of gliding avalanches as a consequence of warming. As a consequence of solar radiation individual natural avalanches are possible as the day progresses.
Caution and restraint are important.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from northerly directions, extensive wind slabs formed in the last few days. The brittle wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. In particular places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially precarious. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.