Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
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 above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 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 large size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2300 m and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size. As a consequence of solar radiation more small and medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. As a consequence of warming more gliding avalanches and snow slides are possible below approximately 2300 m.
Snowpack
dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 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. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. The rain gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2300 m. As a consequence of mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies the snowpack can not consolidate.
Tendency
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
2200m
Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of a storm force wind, extensive wind slabs formed in all aspects. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Even single persons can release avalanches easily, including medium-sized ones. In very isolated cases dry avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, this applies in particular in case of a large load. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2600m
Treeline
Wind-drifted snow
2200m
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
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 in particular above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 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 large size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Over a wide area avalanche prone wind slabs will form. These are to be bypassed as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. Avalanches can in isolated cases penetrate deep layers. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Snowpack
dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, and below approximately 2600 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. The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow. The fresh and older wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. The rain gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies the snowpack can not consolidate.
Tendency
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.
As a consequence of a strong wind, easily released wind slabs will form in all aspects. These are to be bypassed as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate deep layers. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow, even by small loads in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. They are rather rare but are difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. In its middle, the snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to gradual moistening of the snowpack.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of a storm force wind, extensive wind slabs formed on Thursday in all aspects. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above the tree line and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Even single persons can release avalanches easily, including medium-sized ones. In very isolated cases dry avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, this applies in particular in case of a large load. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.
Danger level
1000m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1000m
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Wind slabs and gliding snow represent the main danger.
Since Tuesday the wind has been moderate to strong at times. Over a wide area 30 to 50 cm of snow, and up to 60 cm in some localities, has fallen above approximately 1000 m. Especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation individual small and medium-sized slab avalanches are to be expected. On wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain the likelihood of avalanches is higher. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of gliding avalanches being released will increase gradually in particular on steep south and southeast facing slopes at intermediate and high altitudes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. The storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, in particular on shady slopes.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
2200m
Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of a strong wind, easily released wind slabs will form on Friday in all aspects. These are to be bypassed as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases. In very isolated cases dry avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, this applies in particular in case of a large load. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes mostly small loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.
