Danger level

treeline

Persistent weak layer

Treeline

A treacherous avalanche situation will persist. Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

The fresh snow as well as the widespread wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, in isolated cases also in areas close to the tree line, and on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Avalanches can be released easily and reach medium size. 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. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger.

Field observations and fresh avalanches confirm a treacherous avalanche situation. Caution and restraint are recommended.

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. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies especially on west, north and east facing slopes.

On steep sunny slopes the snowpack will freeze but not form a strong crust, in particular below approximately 2400 m.

Tendency

Avalanches can as before be released, even by a single winter sport participant. The snowpack remains prone to triggering.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab

Treeline

Avalanches can in isolated cases be released, but they will be small in most cases.

Avalanches can in isolated cases be released, but they will be small in most cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line.

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 rather small wind slabs of the last few days are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals.

The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.

Tendency

Wind slabs require caution.