Gliding avalanches are the main danger. Wind slabs are in individual cases still prone to triggering in high Alpine regions.
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 individual cases still prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2800 m. Avalanches can be released, in particular by large loads and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are rare and are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. 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.
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 snowpack is largely stable. Wind slabs are in individual cases still prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2800 m. The snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases. This applies in particular below approximately 2000 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to rapid softening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Tendency
Gliding snow represents the main danger. Wind slabs are now only very rarely prone to triggering.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2600m
Gliding avalanches are the main danger.
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.
On extremely steep sunny slopes individual 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
As a consequence of mild temperatures the snow drift accumulations stabilised. The snowpack will be stable over a wide area. The snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust. This applies in particular below approximately 2000 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to rapid softening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.
Tendency
Gliding snow represents the main danger.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Old wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
The older wind slabs can still be released in some cases especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2400 m. This applies in particular on steep shady slopes. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of moist loose snow avalanches being released will increase in particular on steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on near-ridge shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is wet.
Tendency
The meteorological conditions will facilitate a gradual change towards better conditions.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2600m
The conditions are generally favourable. Gliding avalanches are possible.
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 a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation wet loose snow avalanches are possible as the day progresses.
The somewhat older wind slabs are in individual cases still prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes in high Alpine regions, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. They can be released, mostly by large loads. The avalanche prone locations are very rare and are easy to recognise. Avalanches can in very isolated cases penetrate deep layers.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The wind slabs of the last few days are lying on soft layers on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. 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 and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases, this also applies on steep sunny slopes at high altitude.
Tendency
The conditions are generally favourable. 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 on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. This applies in particular adjacent to ridgelines. 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 and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases, this also applies on steep sunny slopes at high altitude.
Tendency
A quite favourable avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.
Danger level
The avalanche conditions are generally favourable. Old wind slabs require caution.
The wind slabs are mostly easy to recognise but can be released in isolated cases. Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2400 m. This applies in particular on steep shady slopes. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of moist loose snow avalanches being released will increase in particular on steep sunny slopes. Mostly avalanches are small.
Snowpack
The snowpack will be quite stable. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. The surface of the snowpack will soften during the day. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes. In particular at low and intermediate altitudes a little snow is lying.
