Wind slabs represent the main danger. Wet snow requires caution.
The wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. To some extent avalanches can also penetrate deep layers and reach large size.
As the penetration by moisture increases wet and gliding avalanches are possible, in the event of prolonged bright spells especially below approximately 2200 m as well as.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.10: springtime scenario
As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep northeast facing slopes as well as at elevated altitudes. On sunny slopes the snowpack is better bonded.
Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.
Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced over a wide area. The spring-like weather conditions on Friday will give rise to increasing and thorough wetting of the snowpack below approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Wet snow
2200m
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Wet avalanches below approximately 2200 m.
As the day progresses as a consequence of new snow and wind there will be an increase in the danger of dry avalanches within the current danger level. The fresh wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. They are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. Dry avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow also. Avalanches can reach medium size. As a consequence of the rain wet avalanches are possible, especially below approximately 2200 m.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.3: rain
As a consequence of snowfall above approximately 1800 m and the moderate to strong wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form on Friday. These are prone to triggering in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. At elevated altitudes the snowpack is weaker. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.
Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be severely restricted over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack is not frozen and will already be soft in the early morning. The rain will give rise to a loss of strength within the snowpack.
Tendency
On Saturday the wind will be moderate to strong. The wind slabs remain prone to triggering on steep shady slopes. On very steep slopes moist loose snow slides are to be expected.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger will prevail. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
The 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 and at elevated altitudes. These places are very rare and are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. As a consequence of the rain wet avalanches are possible, especially below approximately 2200 m.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
As a consequence of snowfall above approximately 1800 m and the moderate to strong wind, fresh snow drift accumulations will form on Friday. These are mostly small and can only be released in isolated cases. The old snowpack is largely stable. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be severely restricted over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack is not frozen and will already be soft in the early morning. The rain will give rise to a loss of strength within the snowpack. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.
Tendency
The weather effects will foster a strengthening of the snow drift accumulations on Saturday, especially on sunny slopes.
