Wind slabs represent the main danger. Gliding snow requires caution.
The fresh wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects. Caution is to be exercised in particular above approximately 2200 m, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can be released easily and reach medium size. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.
There is a danger of gliding avalanches and moist snow slides. This applies on steep slopes below approximately 2400 m.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released especially by large additional loads in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. This applies on very steep slopes above approximately 2200 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
Over a wide area 10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 1500 m. The wind will be moderate over a wide area. As a consequence of new snow and wind from variable directions, further wind slabs will form. More recent wind slabs are lying on soft layers in all aspects at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular above approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
Some snow will fall in particular in the north. The avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
The fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering above approximately 2200 m. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized and can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released especially by large additional loads in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. This applies on very steep slopes above approximately 2400 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases.
On steep slopes small to medium-sized gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible below approximately 2000 m.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. As a consequence of new snow and a light to moderate wind from variable directions, wind slabs will form in all aspects. Wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. The weather conditions will foster a gradual settling of the snow drift accumulations.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are prone to triggering above approximately 2200 m. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
There is a danger of gliding avalanches and moist snow slides.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. As a consequence of new snow and a light to moderate wind from variable directions, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in all aspects. Wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack is largely stable.
Tendency
The weather conditions will cause a slow settling of the snow drift accumulations.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slabs require caution.
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are to be assessed with care and prudence. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Mostly avalanches are small. Gliding avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
In some regions 10 to 20 cm of snow, but less in some localities, will fall. The wind slabs will form in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and at elevated altitudes. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind.
