The conditions are precarious for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities.
The avalanche danger is within the uppermost range of danger level 3 (considerable). Natural avalanches and loose snow slides are still possible.
The fresh snow of the last few days as well as the deep wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. In particular on wind-loaded slopes avalanches can be released easily and reach medium size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Distinct weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack can be released even now easily by individual winter sport participants in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies in particular above the tree line on steep west, north and east facing slopes. Avalanches can release the weakly bonded old snow as well and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are therefore barely recognisable for beginners. They are numerous. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Caution and restraint are recommended.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack above the tree line. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies especially on west, north and east facing slopes. Night: Over a wide area 5 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen above approximately 1200 m.
