Danger level
 | 2200m |
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Weakly bonded old snow is to be avoided. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released in very isolated cases by individual winter sport participants, in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes in high Alpine regions. In very isolated cases avalanches can also reach large size. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In particular areas where the snow cover is rather shallow are unfavourable. Very steep shady slopes are to be traversed by snow sport participants one at a time.
In addition the fresh and older wind slabs should be taken into account. As a consequence of the sometimes strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately as the day progresses. These are easy to recognise and can be released easily especially at their margins. In particular transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are unfavourable. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and in shady places that are protected from the wind above approximately 2200 m.
Snowpack
dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
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 in high Alpine regions. In areas where the snow cover is rather shallow the likelihood of avalanches is higher. Snow profiles and stability tests confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in these altitude zones.
In addition the fresh wind slabs are prone to triggering in some locations. In the vicinity of peaks the wind will be moderate to strong for a temporary period. The wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes.
As a consequence of rising temperatures a crust formed on the surface during the last few days, especially on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. On steep sunny slopes a little snow is lying.
Tendency
Hardly any decrease in avalanche danger. On shady slopes the situation is less favourable.
