Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence. Increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day. Old wind slabs require caution.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2200 m. At transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. The somewhat older wind slabs can still be released in some cases in all aspects above approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of warming during the day, the likelihood of moist avalanches being released will increase in particular on steep sunny slopes. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
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. The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers in particular on wind-protected shady slopes. Especially at low and intermediate altitudes only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to softening of the snowpack in particular on sunny slopes. On sunny slopes the snowpack will freeze during the clear night and form a strong crust.
Tendency
As a consequence of warming during the day the prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses.
