Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. As a consequence of the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. As a consequence of solar radiation loose snow avalanches are to be expected, in particular on very steep slopes. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in very isolated cases by winter sport participants, especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. The avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well. Careful route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In some regions up to 30 cm of snow has fallen, in particular in the northeast. As a consequence of snowfall and the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally on Tuesday. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate poor snowpack stability. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
Over a wide area strong northwesterly wind. The weather conditions will bring about a very slow stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. They are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular in steep terrain. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above approximately 2000 m. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Avalanches can reach medium size. Dry avalanches can additionally in isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow also, especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. In isolated cases avalanches can penetrate even deep layers. 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 has fallen. As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. As a consequence of the strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally on Tuesday. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
Over a wide area strong northwesterly wind. The weather conditions will bring about a very slow stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger will prevail.
As the temperature drops a quite favourable avalanche situation will prevail. Fresh wind slabs are very small and can only be released in isolated cases. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on extremely steep slopes at elevated altitudes. These places are very rare and are clearly recognisable to the trained eye.
Snowpack
Little snow has fallen. The wind will be strong to storm force over a wide area. The snowpack is largely stable and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack will consolidate. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.
