Outside marked and open pistes a very dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
High avalanche activity: Avalanches triggered by explosives and reports filed by observers show a very dangerous avalanche situation. The old snowpack will be prone to triggering over a wide area. High avalanche danger will persist in some cases. The danger exists in particular in alpine snow sports terrain.
Avalanches can be released in deep layers and reach large size. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Such avalanche prone locations are prevalent barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Fresh avalanches and whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack.
The extensive wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep north and east facing slopes in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain.
Snow sport participants with little experience in the assessment of avalanche danger should remain on the open pistes.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Over a wide area 40 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong to storm force at times.
The snowpack will be prone to triggering. Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. The various wind slabs have bonded insufficiently with each other and the old snowpack. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes.
Tendency
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint.
Danger level
2100m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2100m
Wind slab
Treeline
Outside marked and open pistes a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2100 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible.
In addition the fresh wind slabs of the last few days in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some locations. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.
The avalanche situation is a little more favourable in highly frequented terrain.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong to storm force at times.
The snowpack will be prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on surface hoar. Distinct weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes.
Reports filed by observers and released avalanches confirm the distinct avalanche danger.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
Thursday: As a consequence of new snow and wind a dangerous avalanche situation will persist.
Danger level
2100m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2100m
Wind slab
Treeline
Outside marked and open pistes a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can be released easily by individual winter sport participants. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular on north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Here such avalanche prone locations are more widespread. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible.
In addition the fresh wind slabs of the last few days in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some locations. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on north, east and southeast facing slopes above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in areas close to the tree line. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.
The avalanche situation is a little more favourable in highly frequented terrain.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong to storm force at times.
The snowpack will be prone to triggering. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. In some places various wind slab layers are lying on surface hoar. Distinct weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on west, north and east facing slopes.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
Thursday: Up to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The wind will be strong to storm force at times. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in many places in all aspects.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack can be released easily by individual winter sport participants especially in little used terrain. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Steep, little used shady slopes are to be avoided as far as possible. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
The rather small wind slabs of the last few days are in some cases still prone to triggering at elevated altitudes, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above the tree line. They are easy for the trained eye to recognise.
The current avalanche situation calls for meticulous route selection.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The snowpack will be prone to triggering. Wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line.
Tendency
Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the new snow. The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack represent the main danger. In addition the fresh wind slabs should be taken into account.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released by people. Mostly the avalanches are medium-sized but easily released. In some places the avalanches can penetrate down to the ground and reach large size. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line, and on little used shady slopes. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. The wind was strong at times in some regions, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line. The wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant. Caution is to be exercised at their margins in particular.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
The snowpack remains generally prone to triggering. Distinct weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At high altitude the wind slabs have increased in size additionally in the last two days.
Tendency
Some snow will fall on Thursday. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in many places in all aspects. The avalanche danger will increase.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.
Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack can still be released in some places by individual winter sport participants. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
In addition the small wind slabs of the last few days adjacent to ridgelines are prone to triggering in isolated cases still, especially on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. They are clearly recognisable to the trained eye.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
As a consequence of a strong wind from northwesterly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed especially in gullies and bowls. Somewhat older wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places.
Above approximately 1800 m: The snowpack will be prone to triggering. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes.
Tendency
Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the new snow. The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released very easily especially in little used terrain. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
In addition the fresh wind slabs of the last few days in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some cases still. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on north, east and southeast facing slopes above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in areas close to the tree line.
Restraint is advisable.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
In some regions 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong at times.
The snowpack will be prone to triggering. Wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
Thursday: The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain. In the north strong foehn wind from the south. In some regions snowfall.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger. Fresh wind slabs require caution.
Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released easily by individual winter sport participants especially in little used terrain. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
In addition the fresh wind slabs of the last few days in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain are prone to triggering in some cases still. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on north, east and southeast facing slopes above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in areas close to the tree line.
Restraint is advisable.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow
In some regions 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong at times.
The snowpack will be prone to triggering. Wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
Thursday: 10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The wind will be strong to storm force at times. The new snow and wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in many places in all aspects. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanche danger will increase.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.
Avalanches can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, especially on steep north and east facing slopes above the tree line, but in isolated cases also in areas close to the tree line. Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow in particular in shady places that are protected from the wind. Isolated whumpfing sounds and shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
15 to 30 cm of snow, and up to 40 cm in some localities, has fallen since Sunday. The wind was strong at times.
The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers. They are lying on surface hoar in some places. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes.
Tendency
Over a wide area 5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The wind slabs of the last few days will be covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
2200m
Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. Wind slabs require caution.
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow by a single winter sport participant. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger.
As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. These can be released by a single winter sport participant, but they will be small in most cases. This applies in particular above approximately 2200 m.
The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Some snow has fallen. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northerly directions, hard wind slabs formed. The wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places above approximately 2200 m.
Above approximately 2000 m: The snowpack will be prone to triggering. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes.
Tendency
Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the new snow. The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant. This applies especially on steep shady slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line. As a consequence of the strong northerly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed. These are in some cases prone to triggering. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized.
Backcountry touring calls for caution and restraint. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Some snow has fallen. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack. The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack at elevated altitudes.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.
