Released avalanches and avalanches triggered by explosives confirm a precarious avalanche situation.
High avalanche danger will persist in some regions. The danger exists in particular in alpine snow sports terrain. The new snow and wind slabs can be released very easily in all aspects, this applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are widespread and are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye, especially also in areas close to the tree line, as well as below the tree line. Additionally avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in steep terrain above the tree line. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. On wind-loaded slopes individual natural avalanches are possible. In addition in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation, an increasing number of medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2000 m.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The snowpack will be unstable above approximately 1600 m. Over a wide area 30 to 80 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Thursday. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. The large quantity of fresh snow and the sometimes large wind slabs formed during the snowfall are lying on soft layers above approximately 1600 m. Faceted weak layers exist in the snowpack, especially on steep slopes above the tree line, and in areas close to the tree line. In shady places that are protected from the wind the snowpack is weaker. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the existence of a weak snowack. Up to 10 cm of snow will fall on Sunday, in particular in the northwest. As a consequence of the wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately.
Tendency
Monday: The off-piste conditions remain unfavourable. Off-piste activities call for extensive experience and a certain restraint.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wind slab
1600m
The off-piste conditions remain unfavourable.
New snow and wind slabs can as before be released easily. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep slopes of all aspects and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Caution is to be exercised in particular also in areas close to the tree line. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the wind slabs are larger. Additionally avalanches can also release deeper layers of the snowpack. This applies in shady places that are protected from the wind, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes.
Individual avalanche prone locations for gliding avalanches are to be found on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2000 m.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
10 to 30 cm of snow has fallen since Thursday, in particular in the north and in the east. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. This also applies in areas close to the tree line. Until late morning the wind will be strong at times. As a consequence of the wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately. Faceted weak layers exist in the snowpack, especially on steep slopes above the tree line. In shady places that are protected from the wind the snowpack is weaker.
Tendency
Monday: In these regions there will be a decrease in the avalanche danger within the current danger level. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for meticulous route selection.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m
The wind slabs can be released easily.
The more recent wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. 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.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs have increased in size additionally on Saturday. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack, in particular in shady places that are protected from the wind. Faceted weak layers exist in the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. Isolated whumpfing sounds indicate the existence of a weak snowack.
Tendency
Wind slabs remain prone to triggering. They are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular in very steep terrain. The avalanche danger will decrease gradually.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of a sometimes storm force wind from northerly directions, mostly small wind slabs formed in particular above the tree line. The fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Wind slabs are to be avoided especially in terrain where there is a danger of falling.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In the early morning the wind will be strong in some cases. The small wind slabs will be deposited on weak layers in particular on very steep shady slopes. Hardly any weak layers exist in the old snowpack.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular in very steep terrain.
