Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger. This applies above approximately 2400 m. Gliding snow requires caution.
Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack can be released by individual winter sport participants. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation on the Main Alpine Ridge. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially unfavourable. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. Careful route selection is recommended.
As a consequence of a sometimes strong southerly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas at elevated altitudes. The prevalence of such avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists, in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. These can in isolated cases reach dangerously large size. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.
Snowpack
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
Some snow will fall in some localities. The meteorological conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snowpack. In some places new snow is lying on surface hoar, especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation on the Main Alpine Ridge. Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies above approximately 2400 m.
Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2600m
Wind slab
2400m
Gliding snow represents the main danger.
A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists, in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. These can reach dangerously large size. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.
The new snow and wind slabs can still be released in some cases in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The meteorological conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snowpack. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the top section of the old snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies above approximately 2400 m.
Some snow will fall in some localities. The wind will be moderate to strong in some localities. Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack will be moist below approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
Gliding snow represents the main danger.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Wind slabs require caution. In addition gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected.
Wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases in particular on steep shady slopes at high altitude. Mostly avalanches are only small.
On steep slopes mostly small gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.10: springtime scenario
The wind slabs are in isolated cases prone to triggering.
