The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence. Gliding snow requires caution.
The large quantity of fresh snow of the last few days as well as the sometimes deep wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases in particular on northwest to north to southeast facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. In high Alpine regions these avalanche prone locations are present in all aspects. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Large avalanches are possible. At intermediate altitudes these can release the wet old snow as well.
On steep grassy slopes medium-sized to large gliding avalanches are possible. This applies especially on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m, including on steep shady slopes below approximately 2400 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
A lot of snow fell in the last few days over a wide area. This applies in particular at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers in all aspects at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together.
Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be quite good over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust and will soften during the day. This applies in particular on sunny slopes at intermediate and high altitudes, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
Further decrease in danger of dry avalanches. As a consequence of rising temperatures the snow drift accumulations stabilised. Below approximately 2600 m: Gliding snow requires caution. The danger of moist avalanches will increase.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m
Gliding snow
2600m
As a consequence of a strong westerly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. Gliding snow requires caution.
Since Tuesday avalanche prone wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can in some cases be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. At intermediate altitudes these can release the wet old snow as well. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.
On steep grassy slopes medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large gliding avalanches are possible. This applies especially on steep 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
The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects at elevated altitudes. The older wind slabs of the weekend are now only very rarely prone to triggering.
Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be quite good over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust and will soften during the day. This applies in particular on sunny slopes at intermediate and high altitudes, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
As a consequence of rising temperatures the snow drift accumulations stabilised. The danger of moist avalanches will increase.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2000m
Gliding snow requires caution.
On steep grassy slopes small to medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow
Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be quite good over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust and will soften during the day. This applies in particular on sunny slopes at intermediate and high altitudes, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2200 m.
