Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
In some places avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach medium size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep west to north to east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. The avalanche danger in particular in high Alpine regions is within the upper range of danger level 2 (moderate). Wind slabs are mostly small and can only be released in isolated cases, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. There is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface, caution is to be exercised in particular on sunny slopes. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible.
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 2400 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. The fresh and older 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. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes. The snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
In isolated cases avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep west to north to east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Wind slabs are mostly small and can only be released in isolated cases. This applies in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. They are easy to recognise. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible.
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 2400 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. The fresh and older 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. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes. The snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
Danger level
Wind slabs are to be avoided. There is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.
As a consequence of a strong wind from westerly directions, small wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines. Winter sport participants can release avalanches now only rarely. As a consequence of warming individual small gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible. This applies on steep grassy slopes.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow
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.
Tendency
Only a little snow is lying. A widespread favourable avalanche situation will prevail.
