Gliding avalanches are the main danger. Wind slabs at elevated altitudes.
An appreciable danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep grassy slopes in all aspects in particular below approximately 2600 m. They can be released at any time of day or night. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.
The wind slabs of the last few days are in some cases still prone to triggering on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2600 m. Avalanches can still in isolated cases be released by small loads and reach medium size. The clearly visible wind slabs are to be avoided in very steep terrain. On extremely steep sunny slopes more small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The weather will be very mild. The weather conditions brought about a substantial stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. Wind slabs are in individual cases still prone to triggering on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2600 m.
The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The snowpack will be wet all the way through below approximately 2000 m. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to rapid softening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes.
Tendency
Gliding snow represents the main danger. Wind slabs are now only very rarely prone to triggering.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2600m
Gliding snow
2600m
Wind slabs at elevated altitudes. Gliding avalanches are still possible.
The fresh and older wind slabs are in some cases still prone to triggering on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2600 m. They can in isolated cases be released by small loads. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas, as well as in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate deep layers, especially on very steep shady slopes.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists, especially on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation wet loose snow avalanches are possible as the day progresses.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
The wind slabs of the last few days are lying on soft layers on shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is wet.
Tendency
Further decrease in danger of dry avalanches. Gliding avalanches require caution.
Danger level
The avalanche conditions are generally favourable.
The somewhat older wind slabs are easy to recognise and unlikely to be released now. Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas above approximately 2600 m. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes. Mostly avalanches are rather small.
On very steep sunny slopes individual mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.
Snowpack
The snowpack will be quite stable. The wind slabs are now only very rarely prone to triggering. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is wet.
Tendency
A quite favourable avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.
