Avalanches triggered by explosives and released avalanches confirm a sometimes precarious avalanche situation.
The snow sport conditions outside marked and open pistes remain to some extent precarious. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches as before, in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on very steep south facing slopes in high Alpine regions. Avalanches can penetrate down to the ground and reach dangerously large size especially in the regions with a lot of snow. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation this applies in particular in the west. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required. In addition a certain danger of gliding avalanches and snow slides exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
New snow and wind slabs are lying on a weakly bonded old snowpack. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on steep south facing slopes in high Alpine regions. Over a wide area 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 1300 m. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. The old snowpack will be moist. This applies in all aspects at low and intermediate altitudes.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated critically.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slab
2600m
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
In some places avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow, 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. Avalanches can in isolated cases reach medium size. The mostly small wind slabs of the last few days are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on very steep shady slopes, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas at elevated altitudes. Only isolated gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible, but they will be mostly small. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. The fresh wind slabs are lying on weak layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Towards its surface, the snowpack is hard and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is not capable of bearing a load. This applies in the south on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. Some snow will fall in particular in the north.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from westerly directions, mostly small wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines as well as at high altitude. These avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility, especially in the late morning. Afternoon: As a consequence of solar radiation small dry loose snow avalanches are possible. This applies on extremely steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Up to 10 cm of snow will fall above approximately 1300 m. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. The old snowpack will be moist. This applies in all aspects at low and intermediate altitudes. A little snow is lying.
