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 in some places. The fresh wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2200 m, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. Additionally avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack. 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 careful route selection.
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. 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. Field observations confirm that the stability of the snowpack varies greatly within a small area.
Tendency
As a consequence of low temperatures and the strong to storm force northeasterly wind, the snowpack can not consolidate on Saturday. Over a wide area the wind slabs will increase in size once again. Considerable avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m
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
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs represent the main danger.
As a consequence of a moderate to strong northeasterly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form in some places. The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant. Mostly the avalanches are small. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can additionally be released in the old snowpack in isolated cases. These avalanche prone locations are rare but are difficult to recognise. Experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In some regions 5 to 10 cm of snow, and up to 20 cm in some localities, has fallen, especially in the eastern Prealps. As a consequence of a strengthening wind from northeasterly directions, further wind slabs will form on Friday. These are mostly small and in some cases prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on steep, little used shady slopes.
Tendency
On Friday it will be sunny at times. Until Saturday the wind will be moderate to strong over a wide area. The avalanche danger will increase but remain within the current danger level.
