New snow and wind slabs require caution. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day.
As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northerly wind, easily released wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular above the tree line, but in isolated cases also on wind-loaded slopes below the tree line. In all aspects the wind slabs will increase in size moderately as the day progresses. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized and can be released easily even by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. In particular on wind-loaded slopes and in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation natural avalanches are possible. Snow sport activities outside marked and open pistes call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Saturday. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The wind will be strong at times. The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on soft layers above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. An increasing number of loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of solar radiation, especially on extremely steep slopes.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.
As a consequence of a storm force northerly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed on Saturday. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes these avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater, caution is to be exercised in the regions of the south exposed to the foehn wind, including below the tree line. Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided especially in steep terrain. Additionally in very isolated cases avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized. Meticulous route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
On Sunday the wind will be strong over a wide area. The wind will transport the snow. The small quantity of fresh snow and the wind slabs to be found especially adjacent to riddgelines are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind. The old snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs require caution. In the north and in the northeast the avalanche danger is higher.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.
As a consequence of new snow and a storm force wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects, especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided especially in steep terrain. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized. Small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of solar radiation. Meticulous route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The sometimes strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow. The small quantity of fresh snow and the wind slabs to be found above all adjacent to risgelines and in gullies and bowls are lying on soft layers above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind. The old snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
Wind slabs are to be avoided. Some mostly small loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of solar radiation, especially on extremely steep slopes.
