Danger level
 | 2200m |
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Weakly bonded old snow requires caution. Wind slabs above approximately 2200 m.
Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow by small loads, 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. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. In particular areas where the snow cover is rather shallow are unfavourable. Very steep, little used slopes are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
The wind slabs of the last few days are in some cases still prone to triggering. They are mostly easy to recognise but can be released in isolated cases at their margins. They are to be avoided in particular in very steep terrain. 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. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.
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.
The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack consists of faceted crystals; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. This applies in particular on shady slopes above the tree line.
On sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m only a little snow is now lying. As a consequence of solar radiation a crust formed on the surface, especially below approximately 2800 m. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard crust.
Tendency
A generally favourable avalanche situation will prevail. On little-used, rather lightly snow-covered slopes the situation is a little more dangerous.