Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and stormy weather.
As a consequence of new snow and a storm force wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. Avalanches can be released, even by a single winter sport participant. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2000 m, especially on very steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can in isolated cases penetrate deep layers. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Over a wide area 15 to 25 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. As a consequence of a storm force northwesterly wind, extensive wind slabs will form. The fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, in particular in shady places that are protected from the wind, and in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
On Sunday as a consequence of the new snow there will be an increase in the avalanche danger within the current danger level.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of new snow and a storm force wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. Avalanches can in isolated cases be released, even by a single winter sport participant, especially on very steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater.
Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in near-ground layers at high altitude. 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, especially adjacent to ridgelines. These avalanche prone locations are very rare but are difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In some regions up to 15 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of a storm force northwesterly wind, rather small wind slabs will form. The fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, in particular on shady slopes at high altitude in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs require caution. Individual mostly small loose snow avalanches are to be expected.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
The fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. Avalanches can in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow at high altitude. 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
In some cases wind slabs are lying on soft layers, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitude. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to moistening of the snowpack, in particular at intermediate altitudes.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of a storm force wind from northwesterly directions, wind slabs will form especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The wind slabs are mostly rather small and can only be released in isolated cases. This applies especially on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The old snowpack will be well bonded over a wide area. In some regions some new snow. As a consequence of a storm force northwesterly wind, mostly small wind slabs will form. In very isolated cases wind slabs are lying on soft layers. This applies on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
The avalanche conditions remain generally favourable.
