Fresh wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence at elevated altitudes. Wet and gliding snow require caution.
The fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. Avalanches can in some cases be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Avalanches 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.
As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of moist and wet avalanches being released will increase gradually, especially on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2800 m, as well as on steep shady slopes below approximately 2400 m.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on northwest to north to east facing 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 reduced. The surface of the snowpack will only just freeze and will already soften in the late morning. This applies in particular on sunny slopes at intermediate and high altitudes, as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2400 m.
Tendency
The danger of wet and gliding avalanches will increase. As a consequence of rising temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2000m
Wet and gliding snow at high altitude.
On steep grassy slopes small to medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of wet avalanches being released will increase gradually, especially on steep sunny slopes at high altitude, as well as on steep shady slopes below approximately 2400 m.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow dp.10: springtime scenario
Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be quite good in some case. The surface of the snowpack will only just freeze 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.
