Outside marked and open pistes a critical avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.
Released avalanches and stability tests confirm a precarious avalanche situation.
Avalanches can over a wide area be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach large size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on wind-protected west, north and east facing slopes and adjacent to ridgelines, also in shady places that are protected from the wind in areas close to the tree line, as well as below the tree line. Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are difficult to recognise. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and 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 moist and wet avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.2: gliding snow
The old snowpack is faceted and weak. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west to north to east facing aspects, in particular in places that are protected from the wind in areas close to the tree line, as well as above the tree line. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are lying on surface hoar in particular on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line. Artificially triggered avalanches and stability tests confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack.
Tendency
The snowpack remains prone to triggering on the Main Alpine Ridge and to the north. On Monday as a consequence of the snowfall there will be an increase in the avalanche danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Gliding snow
Treeline
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be critically assessed.
The wind slabs of the last few days are prone to triggering. Avalanches can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach large size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on wind-protected west, north and east facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Caution is to be exercised on steep, little used shady slopes. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 2 (moderate) the avalanche prone locations are more rare and the danger is lower. In the regions with a lot of snow gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and restraint. In the evening as a consequence of new snow and wind there will be an increase in the avalanche danger.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. On Saturday further wind slabs formed as well. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on wind-protected shady slopes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Stability tests and field observations confirm this situation.
Tendency
Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanche danger will increase to level 4 (high).
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence.
The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on steep shady slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. They are to be avoided as far as possible. Caution is to be exercised on steep, little used slopes. Avalanches can reach medium size. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche danger is higher. Meticulous route selection is recommended. In the evening as a consequence of the snowfall there will be an increase in the avalanche danger.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
The wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack on steep shady slopes. On Saturday further wind slabs formed as well. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on wind-protected shady slopes. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In some regions less snow than usual is lying.
Tendency
Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering. In the regions exposed to precipitation the avalanche danger will increase to level 3 (considerable).
