A dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area. The danger exists primarily in alpine snow sports terrain.
The fresh snow and the wind slabs that are forming during the snowfall will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. This also applies in isolated cases on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes. Especially here avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow. This applies even in case of a small load. In isolated cases avalanches are large. This applies in particular above the tree line.
With the onset of the snowfall, the natural avalanche activity will increase. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The avalanche prone locations are widespread and are barely recognisable. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
The danger exists primarily in alpine snow sports terrain.
Great caution and restraint are required.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In some regions 60 cm of snow fell in the last few days. 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall.
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted and weak. This applies especially in shady places that are protected from the wind.
Tendency
The danger of natural avalanches will decrease. Avalanches can as before be released very easily and reach large size in isolated cases.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.
The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Especially here avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are barely recognisable. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall.
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. They are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. The old snowpack is faceted and weak.
The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.
Tendency
New snow and wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
A precarious avalanche situation will prevail.
The fresh snow and the wind slabs that are forming during the snowfall will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Especially here avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow. This applies even in case of a small load. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible.
The avalanche prone locations are widespread and are barely recognisable. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
Caution and restraint are required.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In some regions 40 cm of snow fell in the last few days. In some regions 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 1500 m.
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above the tree line. The old snowpack is faceted and weak. This applies especially in shady places that are protected from the wind.
Tendency
Caution and restraint are required.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
The fresh snow and the wind slabs that are forming during the snowfall will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Especially here avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized.
Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
In some regions up to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall.
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above the tree line. The old snowpack is faceted and weak. This applies especially in shady places that are protected from the wind.
Tendency
The new snow and wind slabs remain prone to triggering.
