Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.
Avalanches can in some cases be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on very steep sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. They are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for a certain restraint.
Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.2: gliding snow
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. The weather will be mild. The weather conditions will foster a gradual stabilisation of the snowpack.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. On steep grassy slopes small to medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. The weather conditions will bring about a gradual decrease in the avalanche danger.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Gliding snow represents the main danger.
Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Avalanches can additionally in isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow. This applies especially in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack at elevated altitudes, caution is to be exercised in particular on extremely steep slopes. Avalanches can reach medium size.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow
Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack above approximately 2200 m. The weather will be mild. The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack on sunny slopes.
Tendency
Gliding snow represents the main danger. The snowpack remains prone to triggering in some places.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Only a little snow is lying. Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack necessitate caution.
The hard wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In particular northwest, north and east facing slopes are unfavourable. In high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects. Avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach medium size in isolated cases.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack. They are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects. Steep sunny slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust will form on the surface. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight softening of the snowpack below approximately 2600 m. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. These avalanche prone locations are rather rare but are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. The old wind slabs can only be released in isolated cases.
Danger level
From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying. The avalanche prone locations are rare.
The hard wind slabs can be released in isolated 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. Steep sunny slopes: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust will form on the surface. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight softening of the snowpack below approximately 2600 m. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.
Tendency
The avalanche prone locations are rare. The old wind slabs can only be released in isolated cases.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Gliding avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
On steep grassy slopes more gliding avalanches are possible, even medium-sized ones. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.
Snowpack
dp.2: gliding snow
The weather will be mild. The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack on sunny slopes. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack above approximately 2200 m, especially at elevated altitudes on shady slopes.
