The conditions are precarious for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities.
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger. The avalanche danger above the tree line is within the uppermost range of danger level 3 (considerable).
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released even easily by individual winter sport participants. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Avalanches can penetrate down to the ground and reach large size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies especially on west, north and east facing slopes. The snowpack remains generally prone to triggering. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night was reduced over a wide area. The snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. Above the tree line a treacherous avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Avalanches can as before be released, even by a single winter sport participant. The snowpack remains prone to triggering.
Avalanches can as before be released easily. They can penetrate down to the ground and reach large size in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 1800 m as well as in areas close to the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye.
Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
The snowpack will be prone to triggering above approximately 1800 m. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 1800 m as well as in areas close to the tree line.
Steep sunny slopes as well as below approximately 1800 m: The snowpack will be moist. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced at times.
Tendency
A treacherous avalanche situation will persist.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Avalanches can as before be released, even by a single winter sport participant. The snowpack remains prone to triggering.
Avalanches can as before be released easily. Mostly they are medium-sized. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m,, in isolated cases also in areas close to the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye.
Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
The snowpack will be prone to triggering above approximately 2000 m. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m,, in isolated cases also in areas close to the tree line.
Steep sunny slopes as well as below approximately 1800 m: The snowpack will be moist. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced at times.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. A sometimes treacherous avalanche situation will persist.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.
Avalanches can in some places be released easily, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.
Isolated whumpfing sounds and shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
The snowpack is unfavourably layered. In its middle, the snowpack is weak in some cases. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is barely capable of bearing a load. 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
Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by individual winter sport participants.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant. This applies especially on steep shady slopes, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized.
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
The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.
Tendency
Moderate avalanche danger will prevail.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger will prevail.
Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m and adjacent to ridgelines. They are rather rare and are clearly recognisable to the trained eye.
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
The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals. Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is barely capable of bearing a load. 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.
