The backcountry and freeriding conditions are to some extent precarious.
The extensive wind slabs of the last few days are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line, this also applies on very steep slopes in areas close to the tree line. In addition further wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls as the day progresses. They can be released by a single winter sport participant and reach large size in isolated cases. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack can still be released in very isolated cases on steep, rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes. These avalanche prone locations are very rare but are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye.
On extremely steep sunny slopes medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. In the event of solar radiation this applies. 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
Over a wide area 30 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack on steep, rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes. Reports filed by observers and avalanches triggered by explosives confirm a sometimes precarious avalanche situation.
The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The snowpack will be moist below approximately 1500 m.
Tendency
As a consequence of warming there will be a decrease in the danger of dry avalanches within the current danger level. The wind slabs remain in some cases prone to triggering in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Gliding avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming. As a consequence of solar radiation more loose snow avalanches are possible.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding snow
2400m
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.
The fresh wind slabs are prone to triggering above the tree line. They can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, as well as in gullies and bowls. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size, especially on steep, rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses. In addition a certain danger of gliding avalanches exists, especially on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2400 m in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.
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 since Thursday above approximately 1500 m. The storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist.
Tendency
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 in some places, especially on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line, as well as above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches is a little higher. Avalanches can reach medium size.
On rocky sunny slopes small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Thursday above approximately 1500 m. The storm force wind has transported the new snow. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on near-ridge shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted.
Low and intermediate altitudes: Towards its base, the snowpack is moist.
