Danger level
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Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
Single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size.
Avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, in isolated cases also on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are therefore barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
In addition individual medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. This applies on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.
Defensive route selection is appropriate.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
dp.2: gliding snow
Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations at elevated altitudes.
The somewhat older wind slabs of the last few days are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above the tree line. They are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. The weather conditions will foster a gradual stabilisation of the snowpack.
Weak layers exist deep in the old snowpack also on south facing slopes, especially in high Alpine regions.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The old snowpack is moist and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a crust that is strong in many cases.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
