Fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. On wind-loaded slopes a treacherous avalanche situation will prevail.
Avalanches can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised on wind-loaded slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as on wind-loaded slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Individual natural avalanches are possible as the day progresses, but they will be mostly small. This applies in particular on wind-loaded slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The wind will be strong over a wide area, in particular at elevated altitudes. As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. The fresh and older wind slabs are to be avoided in particular in very steep terrain. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on shady slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as above the tree line, also on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack.
Tendency
As a consequence of low temperatures and the strong wind, the snowpack can not consolidate. The snowpack will become prone to triggering over a wide area. The conditions are precarious for winter sport activities outside marked and open pistes.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Outside marked and open pistes a precarious avalanche situation will prevail.
The fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily. Caution is to be exercised in all aspects in areas close to the tree line, as well as above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. They are currently prevalent immediately adjacent to the pistes as well. Isolated natural avalanches are possible as a consequence of the strong wind, in particular at elevated altitudes on wind-loaded slopes. Avalanches can in some places be released in the weakly bonded old snow, especially in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate poor snowpack stability. In the regions with a lot of snow more gliding avalanches are possible. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint are required.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
Some snow has fallen over a wide area. The fresh snow of the last few days and the wind slabs formed by the strong wind are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in all aspects. The various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. As a consequence of the strong to storm force northerly wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size at the weekend. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on shady slopes above the tree line, as well as on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Field observations and snow profiles confirm the complex avalanche situation.
Tendency
The snowpack remains prone to triggering. As a consequence of the strong northerly wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size at the weekend. The conditions are precarious for winter sport activities outside marked and open pistes.
