Increase in danger as a consequence of the strong wind. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
As a consequence of a gathering strong northeasterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form from early morning over a wide area. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes and in the regions exposed to the foehn wind the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. Individual natural avalanches are not ruled out. Additionally avalanches can also be triggered in deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In the northeast up to 15 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Thursday. In the south less snow fell. As a consequence of a gathering strong wind from northeasterly directions, extensive wind slabs will form on Friday. These will be deposited on soft layers. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m.
Tendency
As a consequence of low temperatures, snowfall and the strong to storm force northeasterly wind, the snowpack can not consolidate on Saturday. Considerable avalanche danger will be encountered over a wide area.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Wind slabs represent the main danger.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily in some cases. Mostly avalanches are only small. Avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on steep shady slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2000 m. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In some regions 10 to 20 cm of snow fell on Thursday. Some snow will fall on Friday over a wide area. As a consequence of new snow and a gathering strong northeasterly wind, further wind slabs will form especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. These are mostly small but in some cases prone to triggering. Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
Saturday: Over a wide area some new snow. In some regions strong northeasterly wind. The avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
The fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2200 m.
As a consequence of a moderate to strong northeasterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in some places. The fresh wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Avalanches can reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2200 m, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Additionally avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack. These avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Meticulous route selection is advisable.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places. As a consequence of a strengthening wind from northeasterly directions, further wind slabs will form on Friday. These are mostly small but in some cases prone to triggering. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Field observations show that the stability of the snowpack varies greatly within a small area.
Tendency
Saturday: Over a wide area some new snow. In some regions strong northeasterly wind. The avalanche danger will persist.
