Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. The avalanche-prone wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. They represent the main danger.
As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally.
The fresh and older wind slabs can be released very easily. They are barely recognisable. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on southwest to north to southeast facing aspects above approximately 2200 m and on steep south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. In particular in shady places that are protected from the wind avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach quite a large size. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as in gullies and bowls.
Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack.
As a consequence of solar radiation individual loose snow avalanches are possible from midday, but they will be mostly small.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
15 to 25 cm of snow fell in the last few days. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. Up to 10 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of the sometimes storm force wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally.
In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly. The wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant.
The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on southwest to north to southeast facing aspects above approximately 2200 m and on steep south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. In particular in shady places that are protected from the wind avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach medium size in some cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as in gullies and bowls. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.
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 dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
Up to 10 cm of snow fell in the last few days. As a consequence of the sometimes storm force wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately.
The fresh wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. The old snowpack is faceted. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant.
The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on southwest to north to southeast facing aspects above approximately 2200 m and on steep south facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. In particular in shady places that are protected from the wind avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach medium size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as in gullies and bowls. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.
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 dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
Up to 15 cm of snow, and up to 25 cm in some localities, fell in the last few days. In some localities up to 10 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of the sometimes storm force wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally.
The fresh wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. The old snowpack is faceted. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones.
Tendency
Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
The fresh wind slabs are mostly only small but prone to triggering.
The fresh wind slabs can be released easily by a single winter sport participant especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised 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 in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
Some snow has fallen. The wind will be strong. The wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers at elevated altitudes.
The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.
