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
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
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.
