Danger level
 | 2200m |
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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.
On sunny slopes individual gliding avalanches are possible. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
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.
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, especially on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2800 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.
