Fresh wind slabs above approximately 2200 m. Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northerly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days above approximately 2200 m. These are mostly easy to recognise and can be released in isolated cases 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. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow by a single winter sport participant, 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. In particular areas where the snow cover is rather shallow are unfavourable. Very steep, little used shady slopes are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
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 that the stability of the snowpack varies greatly within a small area in these altitude zones. In the vicinity of peaks the wind was moderate to strong for a temporary period. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on steep 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 less snow than usual is lying. Below the tree line, shady places that are protected from the wind: The snowpack is faceted; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar.
Tendency
A quite favourable avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions. On shady slopes the situation is a little more dangerous.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Fresh wind slabs above approximately 2200 m.
As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northerly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days above approximately 2200 m. These are mostly easy to recognise and can be released in isolated cases 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. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the old snowpack by small loads, in particular on very steep slopes. In very isolated cases avalanches can also reach large size. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. Very steep, little used shady slopes are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
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. In the vicinity of peaks the wind was moderate to strong at times. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on steep 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 less snow than usual is lying. Below the tree line, shady places that are protected from the wind: The snowpack is faceted; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar.
Tendency
As a consequence of sharply falling temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate during the next two days.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Wind slabs are to be avoided.
The fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering. They are mostly rather small but can be released easily, in particular in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. Avalanches can be triggered in the various wind slab layers and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised on steep shady slopes above the tree line, as well as in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Very steep, little used slopes are to be traversed by snow sport participants one at a time. Careful route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
The wind was moderate to strong for a temporary period. The fresh and older wind slabs are in some cases still prone to triggering. They are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. 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 intermediate and high altitudes. As a consequence of mild temperatures a crust formed on the surface during the last few days. This applies in particular on steep shady slopes, as well as in all aspects at low and intermediate altitudes. Below the tree line, shady places that are protected from the wind: The snowpack is faceted; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar.
Tendency
Hardly any decrease in avalanche danger. On shady slopes the situation is less favourable.
