Wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack necessitate caution.
The somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases above approximately 2600 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In particular shady slopes are unfavourable. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent. Avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach medium size in isolated cases.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. They are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on northwest to north to southeast facing aspects. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight softening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2800 m. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.
Tendency
Fresh and older wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2600m
The amount of snow is subject to significant local variations. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
The somewhat older wind slabs can still be released in some cases in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above approximately 2600 m. They are easy to recognise. Mostly avalanches are only small. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Hard wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes. They are in some cases still prone to triggering above approximately 2600 m. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight softening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2800 m. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.
Tendency
The hard wind slabs can be released in isolated cases.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Wind slabs require caution. The avalanche prone locations are rare.
The hard wind slabs can still be released in some cases in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Mostly avalanches are only small. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
Hard wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight softening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2800 m. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.
Tendency
The hard wind slabs can be released in isolated cases.
