Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack necessitate caution and restraint. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants. This applies in particular on very steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. In some cases the avalanches are large.
The fresh wind slabs can still be released in some cases in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines in high Alpine regions.
More gliding avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold dp.2: gliding snow
High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The northwesterly wind has transported a lot of snow. Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack, in particular on very steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Field observations and released avalanches indicate the existence of a weak snowack. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Low and intermediate altitudes: The old snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases. The high temperatures as the day progresses will give rise to slight moistening of the snowpack. This applies on very steep sunny slopes.
Tendency
Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack necessitate caution and restraint. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Gliding snow
2600m
Wind slabs and gliding snow require caution.
As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from northwesterly directions, extensive wind slabs formed at elevated altitudes. Avalanches can be released, mostly by large loads and reach medium size. At elevated altitudes the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. Avalanche prone locations are to be found on wind-loaded slopes above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines in high Alpine regions.
More gliding avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The northwesterly wind has transported a lot of snow. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Low and intermediate altitudes: The old snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases. The high temperatures as the day progresses will give rise to slight moistening of the snowpack. This applies on very steep sunny slopes.
Tendency
The conditions are generally favourable.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
The wind slabs represent the main danger.
As a consequence of a strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes easily released wind slabs formed. In addition the older wind slabs must be taken into account. More recent wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. In addition in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, further mostly small natural avalanches are possible. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more mostly small wet loose snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
More recent wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack above the tree line. The spring-like weather conditions gave rise to moistening of the snowpack. As a consequence of mild temperatures and the moderate to strong northwesterly wind, the snow drift accumulations have increased in size during the last few days. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Early and late morning: The snowpack is wet and its surface has a crust that is strong in many cases.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
2700m
Treeline
The wind slabs represent the main danger.
As a consequence of a strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes easily released wind slabs formed. In addition the older wind slabs must be taken into account. More recent wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. In addition in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, further small and medium-sized natural avalanches are possible. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small and medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
More recent wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack above the tree line. The spring-like weather conditions gave rise to moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2700 m. As a consequence of mild temperatures and the moderate to strong northwesterly wind, the snow drift accumulations have increased in size during the last few days. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Intermediate altitudes: Early and late morning: The snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is not capable of bearing a load.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Gliding snow
2600m
The conditions are favourable over a wide area.
As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. They are to be found in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines in high Alpine regions. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases.
More gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The northwesterly wind has transported the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes. They are in some cases prone to triggering. Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations above the tree line.
Intermediate altitudes: Early and late morning: The snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.
Tendency
The backcountry touring conditions are spring-like.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Fresh and older wind slabs at high altitude. Moist snow slides are possible during the day.
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released in isolated cases, especially at their margins. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain at high altitude. Mostly avalanches are small.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation individual gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible, but they will be mostly small.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.10: springtime scenario
Wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitude. The old snowpack will be quite stable. Early and late morning: The snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust.
