The conditions are dangerous for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities outside marked and open pistes.
The large quantity of fresh snow as well as the extensive wind slabs represent the main danger. Dry avalanches can in many places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach large size. The avalanche prone locations are widespread. They are to be found in all aspects in all altitude zones, especially on wind-loaded slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are currently prevalent immediately adjacent to the pistes as well. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for very extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint. At low and intermediate altitudes and on steep grassy slopes numerous gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected, in particular medium-sized ones. On extremely steep sunny slopes dry loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
Over a wide area 40 to 80 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Monday. The wind was strong to storm force. The wind has transported the new snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. Naturally triggered avalanches and stability tests confirm the existence of a weak snowack. The old snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on wind-protected shady slopes in the western part of the main Alpine ridge.
Tendency
The meteorological conditions fostered a strengthening of the snowpack. Gradual decrease in avalanche danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
The avalanche conditions are precarious. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.
The extensive wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, in all aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on wind-protected slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, also on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. In addition in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation, some small and medium-sized gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected, especially on steep sunny slopes at low and intermediate altitudes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.9: graupel blanketed with snow
Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow has fallen. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high) up to 60 cm of snow has fallen. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. The various wind slabs have bonded insufficiently with each other and the old snowpack.
Tendency
Until Saturday the weather will be mild. The meteorological conditions will foster a gradual stabilisation of the snowpack.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Wind slabs represent the main danger. The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on steep shady slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. Avalanches are rather small. Wind slabs are to be avoided in steep terrain. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
5 to 20 cm of snow has fallen. The wind was strong to storm force. The strong wind has transported some snow. The wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes. The old snowpack will be in most cases stable. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Wind slabs require caution.
Wind slabs represent the main danger. Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released in isolated cases at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly avalanches are small. They are to be avoided especially in very steep terrain. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The wind was strong to storm force. The strong wind has transported only a little snow. Wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes. The old snowpack will be generally stable. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
