Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence.
As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force northwesterly wind, extensive wind slabs formed in the last few days. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on west to north to southeast facing aspects above the tree line. In some places avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach a dangerous size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent. They are to be found on west to north to east facing aspects below approximately 2400 m. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of moist loose snow avalanches being released will increase a little on extremely steep slopes. In the regions with a lot of snow gliding avalanches and snow slides are possible. The current avalanche situation calls for careful route selection.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
The wind was storm force over a wide area. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on wind-protected west, north and east facing slopes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
Tendency
The snowpack remains prone to triggering.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Avalanches can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found above the tree line and in areas close to the tree line. Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow also, especially on steep shady slopes. On extremely steep sunny slopes individual moist loose snow avalanches are possible as the day progresses.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
The wind was storm force over a wide area. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack, in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted, especially on wind-protected shady slopes.
Tendency
The snowpack remains in some cases prone to triggering.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.
As a consequence of a strong northwesterly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular on northwest, north and northeast facing slopes. They are to be avoided especially in steep terrain. Avalanches can be released, even by a single winter sport participant, but they will be small in most cases. The avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The wind was storm force in some cases. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with the old snowpack. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted, especially on wind-protected shady slopes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
