Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released even by individual winter sport participants. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m, as well as on very steep east and west facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. As the day progresses the likelihood of avalanches being released will increase a little. Fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m, especially adjacent to ridgelines. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. On steep grassy slopes more frequent small gliding avalanches are to be expected.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2000 m, as well as on west and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Over a wide area 25 to 40 cm of snow has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 1800 m. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind, extensive wind slabs formed. These are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The solar radiation will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack especially at low and intermediate altitudes. The meteorological conditions will bring about a slight weakening of the snowpack as the day progresses.
Tendency
Thursday: Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of warming.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Fresh wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. They are to be avoided in particular in steep terrain. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Avalanches can reach medium size. Avalanches can additionally in isolated cases be released in the old snowpack by a single winter sport participant, especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on very steep east and west facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Meticulous route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Tuesday. As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. These are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. On Wednesday the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on east and west facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack in particular on sunny slopes.
Tendency
The weather conditions facilitated a gradual stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation moist snow slides and avalanches are possible.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind, wind slabs formed over a wide area. These can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant. Mostly the avalanches are small. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. On steep grassy slopes more frequent small gliding avalanches are to be expected.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 1800 m. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at high altitude. The solar radiation will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack especially at low and intermediate altitudes. The meteorological conditions will bring about a slight weakening of the snowpack as the day progresses.
Tendency
Thursday: Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of warming.
