In the course of the day possibly danger level 4 (high) will be reached in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. The danger exists primarily in alpine snow sports terrain.
Significant increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. Outside marked and open pistes a precarious avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions. Late morning: Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily, in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In some cases the avalanches are medium-sized. Afternoon: As a consequence of new snow and strong wind natural avalanches are possible as the day progresses. This applies in all aspects at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases, especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of the rain a large number of moist and wet snow slides are to be expected. Great caution and restraint are required.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In particular in the north and in the west over a wide area 20 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes storm force wind from northwesterly directions, extensive wind slabs will form. These will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. The various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. The rain will give rise to gradual and thorough wetting of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2000 m.
Tendency
On Saturday as a consequence of new snow and strong wind there will be only a slight increase in the avalanche danger, in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slab
2200m
Wet snow
2000m
As a consequence of new snow and wind a sometimes unfavourable avalanche situation will prevail. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
As a consequence of new snow and strong wind there will be an increase in the avalanche danger to level 3 (considerable). Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily, in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on very steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size. Remotely triggered and natural avalanches are possible in isolated cases, especially on very steep shady slopes at high altitude. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. As the snowfall level rises gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected below approximately 2200 m. Caution and restraint are required.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Up to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from northwesterly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs will form. These will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. The rain will give rise to gradual and thorough wetting of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2000 m.
Tendency
Some snow will fall on Saturday in the north. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wet snow
2600m
2200m
Wind slab
2800m
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants. This applies in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on very steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in isolated cases reach medium size. Below approximately 2500 m moist small and medium sized avalanches are possible. As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from northwesterly directions, rather small wind slabs will form in the course of the day. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2800 m adjacent to ridgelines. Meticulous route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Released avalanches and field observations confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers in particular on northwest, north and northeast facing slopes above approximately 2800 m. As a consequence of mild temperatures a crust formed on the surface during the last few days. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m.
Tendency
The old snowpack remains prone to triggering. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more small and medium-sized moist snow slides and avalanches are possible.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slab
2600m
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants. This applies in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on very steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in isolated cases reach medium size. As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind from northwesterly directions, rather small wind slabs will form on Friday, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas as well as at elevated altitudes. Meticulous route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Over a wide area strong northwesterly wind. Some snow will fall in particular in the north. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. In the north a little snow is lying.
Tendency
The old snowpack remains prone to triggering. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
