The conditions are treacherous for backcountry touring.
A precarious avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area. Caution and restraint are required.
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow very easily. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, in isolated cases also on south facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. Remotely triggered avalanches are probable.
The avalanche prone locations are widespread and are barely recognisable. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Fresh avalanches and whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
The large quantity of fresh snow of last week and the extensive wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above the tree line. The old snowpack is faceted.
Distinct weak layers exist in the snowpack.
Tendency
Avalanches can as before be released very easily. The snowpack remains prone to triggering.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
An unfavourable avalanche situation will prevail. Defensive route selection is required.
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow, even by a single winter sport participant. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible.
The avalanche prone locations are numerous and are barely recognisable. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. 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 serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The large quantity of fresh snow of last week and the extensive wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above the tree line. The old snowpack is faceted.
Distinct weak layers exist in the snowpack.
Tendency
Avalanches can as before be released, even by a single winter sport participant. The snowpack remains prone to triggering.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow by a single winter sport participant. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
The avalanche prone locations are and are difficult to recognise. 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
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above approximately 2200 m. The old snowpack is faceted.
Weak layers exist in the snowpack.
Tendency
Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow by a single winter sport participant. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. 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
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.
