Significant increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the new snow. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2400 m.
As a consequence of snowfall and the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, a critical avalanche situation will develop. The fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs that are forming over a wide area can be released easily or naturally above the tree line. Additionally avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep slopes of all aspects above approximately 2400 m. The off-piste conditions are critical.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
Over a wide area 25 to 50 cm of snow will fall in the next few hours. The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering above the tree line. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers on wind-protected shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular above approximately 2400 m. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and released avalanches confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack.
Tendency
The conditions remain critical.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of a storm force northwesterly wind, clearly visible wind slabs will form on Saturday especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The mostly small wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant especially on very steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are rather rare. In the north the avalanche prone locations are a little more prevalent. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.
Snowpack
Some snow will fall on Saturday in some regions. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface during the last two days, in particular on steep sunny slopes in all altitude zones, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and stormy weather. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form on Saturday especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The brittle wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant in all aspects at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Weakly bonded old snow: In isolated cases avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack and reach quite a large size, especially on steep shady slopes in high Alpine regions. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.
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, will fall on Saturday. The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering above the tree line. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers on wind-protected shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular above approximately 2400 m.
