Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Avalanches can in isolated cases be released by small loads and reach medium size. This applies in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation individual wet loose snow slides are possible as the day progresses, especially on very steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.2: gliding snow
The old 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. Weak layers exist deep in the old snowpack also on south facing slopes. This applies in particular in high Alpine regions. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. This applies in particular on south facing slopes. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The weather conditions will bring about a gradual stabilisation of the snowpack.
Tendency
Gradual decrease in avalanche danger.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released by individual winter sport participants in particular in little used terrain. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep west, north and northeast facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Mostly the avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche situation is more favourable in highly frequented off-piste terrain. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation individual mostly small gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The weather conditions fostered a substantial strengthening of the snowpack. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and northeast facing slopes.
The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. This applies in particular on south facing slopes. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
Gradual decrease in avalanche danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases by winter sport participants in particular in little used terrain. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Such avalanche prone locations 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. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northerly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed, especially on near-ridge shady slopes.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation individual wet loose snow slides are possible as the day progresses, especially on very steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
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 fresh and older wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west to north to east facing aspects above the tree line. This also applies in isolated cases on south facing slopes in high Alpine regions. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snowpack.
Steep sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m: As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation a crust will form on the surface during the night. 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. This applies in particular on shady slopes.
Tendency
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Danger level
A favourable avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area. Wind slabs require caution.
The wind slabs of the last few days can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases in particular on extremely steep, little used northwest, north and northeast facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. The avalanches are rather small. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation individual wet loose snow slides are possible as the day progresses, especially on very steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The rather small wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. This applies in particular on south facing slopes. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
A favourable avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.
