Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2200 m.
The fresh and older wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. In the regions with a lot of snow the wind slabs are larger. Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released in very isolated cases by individual winter sport participants. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from variable directions, wind slabs formed in the last few days in all aspects. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack, in particular on shady slopes. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes, especially between approximately 2200 and 2600 m.
Tendency
In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with the old snowpack, in particular on steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
2200m
New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.
Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow of the last few days represent the main danger. Avalanches can as before be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised on steep northwest, north and northeast facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow also. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. They are very rare but are difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
As a consequence of new snow and wind from variable directions, extensive wind slabs formed in all aspects, in particular above the tree line. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack, in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack, in particular on steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. The weather conditions will bring about a strengthening of the snow drift accumulations.
Danger level
Currently there are favourable conditions generally.
Single winter sport participants can release avalanches only in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on extremely steep shady slopes and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. They are very rare but are difficult to recognise. In many places there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
The snowpack is largely stable and its surface has a crust that is strong in many cases. The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack, especially at low and intermediate altitudes. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations above the tree line. Over a wide area only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. Little snow will fall from the afternoon in some localities.
Tendency
The backcountry touring conditions remain mostly favourable.
Danger level
Wind slabs require caution.
Wind slabs require caution. The wind slabs are to be avoided as far as possible in particular on near-ridge shady slopes. These are in some cases prone to triggering. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. In addition in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation, individual gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from variable directions, wind slabs formed in all aspects. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack, in particular on very steep shady slopes.
Tendency
The weather conditions will bring about a strengthening of the snow drift accumulations.
