Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Avalanches can in many places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach large size in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line, as well as in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. Their prevalence will increase with altitude. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
As a consequence of the sometimes strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above the tree line. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on shady slopes above the tree line, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. The barely recognisable wind slabs will become increasingly prone to triggering at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack.
Tendency
The new snow and wind slabs remain prone to triggering, in particular at elevated altitudes. As a consequence of the strong northerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form on Tuesday. The avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence.
The fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. They are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released in some places by individual winter sport participants. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on shady slopes above the tree line. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Mostly avalanches are rather small. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche danger is a little higher. Careful route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on shady slopes above the tree line, as well as in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the existence of a weak snowack. As a consequence of the sometimes strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately. The barely recognisable wind slabs will become increasingly prone to triggering at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
The new snow and wind slabs remain prone to triggering, in particular at elevated altitudes. As a consequence of the strong northerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form on Tuesday. The avalanche danger will persist.
