Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and stormy weather. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. The avalanche danger will increase but remain within the current danger level. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Additionally avalanches can also be released 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.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In some regions up to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Thursday. In the south less snow will fall. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs that are being formed by the storm force northwesterly wind will be deposited on soft layers in all aspects above the tree line. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on surface hoar, in particular in shady places that are protected from the wind. 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. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the existence of a weak snowack.
Tendency
Restraint is recommended. The new snow and wind slabs remain for the foreseeable future prone to triggering.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
The wind will be strong at times. Adjacent to ridgelines as well as at elevated altitudes mostly small wind slabs will form. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases. They are to be avoided in very steep terrain. Mostly avalanches are small.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on weak layers in particular on very steep shady slopes. In shady places that are protected from the wind the snowpack is weaker. Hardly any weak layers exist in the old snowpack.
Tendency
As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size on Friday.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Increase in avalanche danger in the course of the day.
The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent but are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche danger is higher. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Additionally avalanches can also be released 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.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In some regions 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Thursday. In the south less snow will fall. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs that are being formed by the storm force northwesterly wind will be deposited on soft layers in all aspects above the tree line. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on surface hoar. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering. In shady places that are protected from the wind the snowpack is weaker. 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. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the existence of a weak snowack.
Tendency
Care is recommended. The new snow and wind slabs remain for the foreseeable future prone to triggering. As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size on Friday.
