Very large quantity of fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs formed by the storm force wind are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. Natural avalanches are to be expected, this applies especially during the course of the night. In particular on north and east facing slopes avalanches can be released in the various layers of new snow and reach large size. Additionally in very isolated cases avalanches can also penetrate deep layers and reach very large size. With the end of the intense snowfall, the natural avalanche activity will gradually decrease.
In addition a substantial danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes in all aspects in particular below approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
A lot of new snow above approximately 1200 m. The wind will be storm force. As a consequence of the westerly wind the already large wind slabs will increase in size once again. The various wind slabs have bonded insufficiently with each other and the old snowpack. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack on rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes.
Tendency
The meteorological conditions will facilitate a slow decrease in the danger of dry avalanches. The new snow and wind slabs remain in some cases prone to triggering at elevated altitudes. An increasing number of gliding avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming. As a consequence of solar radiation more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding snow
2400m
The fresh snow and in particular the sometimes large wind slabs represent the main danger.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily or naturally in all aspects, especially in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh wind slabs can especially at their margins be released very easily. Avalanches can also penetrate deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Individual loose snow avalanches are possible in the afternoon, in the event of prolonged bright spells especially on extremely steep slopes.
A certain danger of gliding avalanches exists, especially on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2400 m in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.
The conditions are sometimes critical for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities outside marked and open pistes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
Over a wide area 15 to 30 cm of snow, and up to 50 cm in some localities, has fallen above approximately 1500 m. The violent wind will transport the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.
Low and intermediate altitudes: Towards its base, the snowpack is moist.
Tendency
Slight increase in danger of moist and wet avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation, in particular on steep sunny slopes. Slight decrease in danger of dry avalanches. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. Gliding avalanches require caution.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily. or in isolated cases naturally,, especially on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as above the tree line. They can especially at their margins be released very easily. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Avalanches can reach medium size.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
10 to 20 cm of snow has fallen above approximately 1500 m. The violent wind will transport the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.
Low and intermediate altitudes: Towards its base, the snowpack is moist.
Tendency
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Slight increase in danger of moist and wet avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation, in particular on steep sunny slopes.
