Wind slabs - Very isolated avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
The somewhat older wind slabs can be released in isolated cases in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly avalanches are only small. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Sunny slopes: In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.
Snowpack
The hard wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
Shady slopes: The snowpack consists of faceted crystals. Steep south facing slopes: The snowpack is well consolidated and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Some snow will fall.
Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2600m
Wind slabs require caution.
The older wind slabs can be released in some cases in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2600 m. Mostly avalanches are small. Caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are a little more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Sunny slopes: In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on wind-protected northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2600 m.
Shady slopes: The old snowpack is faceted. Steep south facing slopes: The snowpack is well consolidated and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind, in particular in the north.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Wind slabs represent the main danger.
The older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases. Mostly the avalanches are small. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines. The avalanche prone locations are easy to recognise. In high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are a little more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater. 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
Wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on wind-protected west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. The old snowpack is faceted.
Sunny slopes: The snowpack is faceted and its surface has a crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.
Tendency
Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger will prevail.
Old wind slabs require caution. The old wind slabs are small. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes and adjacent to ridgelines.
Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
The mostly small wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack is faceted, especially on west, north and east facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Tendency
Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the westerly wind.
