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.
Somewhat older wind slabs can still be released in some cases in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 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
The avalanche danger will decrease gradually. Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack necessitate caution. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2600m
Gliding snow
2600m
Wind slab
2600m
Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack necessitate caution. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack can be released in isolated cases by winter sport participants. This applies in particular on very steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. In isolated cases the avalanches are large.
Somewhat older wind slabs can still be released in some cases in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 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
The avalanche danger will decrease gradually. Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack necessitate caution. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2600m
Wind slab
2600m
Gliding snow represents the main danger.
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.
In addition the wind slabs of the last few days are prone to triggering in isolated cases still, in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m adjacent to ridgelines.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The no longer entirely fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers on shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. 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
2700m
Treeline
The fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. As the day progresses, moist snow slides are possible.
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
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.10: springtime scenario
The wind has transported the loosely bonded old snow. The wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitude. They are in some cases prone to triggering. The spring-like weather conditions gave rise to moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2700 m. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Early and late morning: The snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. Wet snow requires caution.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
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 northeast facing aspects above approximately 2600 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases.
Only isolated 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
High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes. They are in individual cases still 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 and high altitudes: Early and late morning: The snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases, in particular on sunny slopes. During the day: The high temperatures will give rise to slight moistening of the snowpack, in particular on sunny slopes.
Tendency
The backcountry touring conditions are spring-like.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
The fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. As the day progresses, moist snow slides are possible.
The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released 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
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.10: springtime scenario
The wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitude. The old snowpack will be quite stable. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. 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. Wet snow requires caution.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2600m
The conditions are favourable over a wide area.
The no longer entirely fresh wind slabs can be released in isolated cases, but mostly only by large additional loads,, especially at their margins. They are to be found in particular on northwest to north to northeast facing aspects above approximately 2600 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines. Mostly avalanches are small.
Only isolated 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
High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes. They are in individual cases still 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 and high altitudes: Early and late morning: The snowpack is wet and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases, in particular on sunny slopes. During the day: The high temperatures will give rise to slight moistening of the snowpack, in particular on sunny slopes.
Tendency
The backcountry touring conditions are spring-like.
