The avalanche conditions are to some extent unfavourable.
In particular on steep shady slopes avalanches can be triggered in deep layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases, in particular in little used terrain above approximately 2000 m. Avalanches can additionally be released in near-surface layers by small loads. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye.
More small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are possible. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies on extremely steep slopes, in particular. Avalanches can in some cases release deeper layers of the snowpack.
On steep grassy slopes and below approximately 2400 m small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible as a consequence of the new snow. This applies in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation in the south.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
40 to 80 cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday. This applies at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Some snow will fall on Sunday. The wind will be moderate adjacent to ridgelines.
The weather effects will facilitate a gradual stabilisation of the near-surface layers. Faceted weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes.
Tendency
As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form on Monday. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be critically assessed.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
2200m
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released by winter sport participants on very steep west, north and northeast facing slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on little used shady slopes above approximately 2000 m and on very steep west facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Avalanches can reach medium size. Fresh wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases in particular on very steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility.
Small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are possible, in the event of prolonged bright spells especially on extremely steep slopes.
On steep grassy slopes individual small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
30 to 60 cm of snow fell in the last few days. Over a wide area 5 to 15 cm of snow, and up to 20 cm in some localities, will fall on Sunday. The sometimes moderate wind will transport the snow, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The various wind slabs are lying on soft layers at elevated altitudes. Weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack in particular on little used shady slopes. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. The high humditiy gave rise to moistening of the snowpack in some cases also at high altitude. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
As a consequence of a strengthening wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
New snow
Treeline
New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.
Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen above approximately 1800 m. Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind. Avalanches can occur easily or triggered naturally. This applies even in case of a small load. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2000 m and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls. Wind-loaded slopes where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are unfavourable. At transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanche situation is dangerous. Medium-sized avalanches are possible. Careful route selection and spacing between individuals are recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The new snow and wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack on steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. The fresh wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2000 m. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. In very isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized.
The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in little used backcountry terrain.
Individual loose snow avalanches are possible. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies on extremely steep slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In some regions up to 20 cm of snow fell in the last few days above approximately 2000 m.
In the last few days the wind was moderate to strong at times. The wind has transported the new snow. The fresh 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. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
The weather conditions will facilitate a stabilisation of the snowpack.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2000 m. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. In very isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized.
The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in little used backcountry terrain.
Individual loose snow avalanches are possible. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies on extremely steep slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In some regions up to 20 cm of snow fell in the last few days above approximately 2000 m.
In the last few days the wind was moderate to strong at times. The wind has transported the new snow. The fresh 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. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
The weather conditions will facilitate a stabilisation of the snowpack.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Gliding snow
2400m
Wind slabs require caution. Slight increase in danger of gliding avalanches on steep grassy slopes.
More recent wind slabs are in some cases still prone to triggering. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on near-ridge shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Their prevalence will increase with altitude. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. Avalanches can in isolated cases reach medium size.
On steep grassy slopes more frequent small to medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. This applies in particular below approximately 2400 m.
On extremely steep slopes individual small to medium-sized moist loose snow avalanches are possible. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies in all aspects, in particular.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
Some snow will fall in some regions. The wind will be light to moderate.
Soft wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers on steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. The high humditiy gave rise to moistening of the snowpack in some cases also at high altitude.
Tendency
Wind slabs require caution.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs at high altitude.
Fresh wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. Avalanches can reach medium size, especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation in the south.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in little used backcountry terrain above approximately 2200 m, especially on very steep shady slopes.
Individual mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies on extremely steep slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
The wind was moderate to strong adjacent to ridgelines especially in the south. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack on little used shady slopes. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. The high humditiy gave rise to moistening of the snowpack in some cases also at high altitude.
Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind, further wind slabs will form in particular in the south.
Danger level
A generally favourable avalanche situation will prevail.
Fresh wind slabs are small and unlikely to be released now. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on extremely steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes, in particular adjacent to ridgelines.
Individual small gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible. In the event of prolonged bright spells this applies on extremely steep slopes.
Snowpack
Some snow will fall in some regions. The wind will be light to moderate. The snowpack is largely stable. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. The high humditiy gave rise to moistening of the snowpack in some cases also in the vicinity of peaks.
Tendency
The avalanche conditions are generally favourable.
