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).
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Old wind slabs require caution.
The 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. They are to be avoided especially in extremely steep terrain. Mostly avalanches are small. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Somewhat older wind slabs are in isolated cases prone to triggering on very 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.
Tendency
Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind, in particular in the north.
