Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies in particular below approximately 2500 m, in isolated cases also on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Avalanches can reach dangerously large size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The wind slabs of the last few days are in some cases still prone to triggering in high Alpine regions, especially adjacent to ridgelines. The danger of gliding avalanches and moist snow slides will increase a little during the day, in particular on steep sunny slopes. The current avalanche situation calls for defensive route selection.
Snowpack
dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding dp.2: gliding snow
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on west, north and east facing slopes below approximately 2500 m, in isolated cases also on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
Tendency
A sometimes treacherous avalanche situation will persist.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind-drifted snow
2200m
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence. Caution is to be exercised also in areas close to the tree line.
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow by small loads, especially on steep shady slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The wind slabs of the last few days are in some cases still prone to triggering. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain at elevated altitudes and adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The danger of gliding avalanches and moist snow slides will increase a little during the day, in particular on sunny slopes. Meticulous route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Whumpfing sounds and field observations indicate poor snowpack stability. The wind slabs of the last few days are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations stabilised, in particular on sunny slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack.
Tendency
The old snowpack remains prone to triggering in particular on shady slopes. As a consequence of falling temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind-drifted snow
2200m
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Mostly avalanches are rather small. The rather small wind slabs of the last few days are in some cases prone to triggering at elevated altitudes. They are to be avoided especially in very steep terrain. The danger of wet and gliding avalanches will increase a little during the day.
Snowpack
dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with the old snowpack. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations stabilised. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
