Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day.
Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow can be released easily in all aspects above the tree line. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation numerous loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, in particular medium-sized ones.
Avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially unfavourable. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. In addition small to medium-sized gliding avalanches and wet snow slides are possible, in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The wind was storm force in some cases. Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above the tree line. The new snow of the last few days is lying on surface hoar in particular on wind-protected shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to gradual moistening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes at intermediate and high altitudes.
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
The fresh wind slabs remain prone to triggering in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. More gliding avalanches and wet snow slides are to be expected.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
New snow
Treeline
Gliding snow
2600m
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day.
The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily in all aspects above the tree line. Avalanches can reach medium size. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation numerous loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, but they will be mostly small.
Avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially unfavourable. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. In addition small to medium-sized gliding avalanches and wet snow slides are possible, in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The wind was storm force in some cases. Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above the tree line. The new snow of the last few days is lying on surface hoar in particular on wind-protected shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to gradual moistening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes at intermediate and high altitudes.
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies above approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
The fresh wind slabs remain prone to triggering in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. More gliding avalanches and wet snow slides are to be expected.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Gliding snow
2600m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
The strong wind has transported a lot of snow. As a consequence of the strong southerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. These can over a wide area be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size, in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The prevalence of the 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 reach medium size. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible. As a consequence of warming moist snow slides are possible. This applies in particular at low and intermediate altitudes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes. 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. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable.
The old snowpack will be moist below approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
The fresh wind slabs remain prone to triggering in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
