High avalanche danger will prevail. This applies above approximately 1600 m. Individual natural avalanches are still even now possible. The conditions are dangerous for winter sport activities outside marked and open pistes.
Numerous medium-sized and large avalanches have been released as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. Very large avalanches have been released in some places. Once the intense snowfall has ended, the natural avalanche activity will appreciably decrease. Individual natural avalanches are still, however, even now possible, especially on very steep south facing slopes above approximately 2300 m, this applies in particular in the afternoon. In addition in the afternoon on south facing slopes, some small and medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. The snow sport conditions outside marked and open pistes are dangerous. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches very easily, including dangerously large ones. This applies in all aspects above approximately 1600 m. Slopes adjacent to ridgelines are especially dangerous. In addition there is a danger of gliding avalanches, in particular below approximately 1600 m on steep grassy slopes. Gliding avalanches can be released at any time of day or night.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Gliding snow
1800m
Single winter sport participants can release avalanches in many places, including dangerously large ones. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
As a consequence of new snow and wind from variable directions, extensive wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular above approximately 1800 m. The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. This applies especially above the tree line, as well as also in areas close to the tree line. In particular transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are dangerous. In addition as the day progresses individual large natural avalanches are possible, especially in case of releases originating from very steep, high-altitude, sunny starting zones that have retained the snow thus far. On steep grassy slopes a large number of medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large gliding avalanches are possible below approximately 1800 m. This applies in all aspects. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of moist and wet avalanches being released will increase a little below the tree line. The conditions are dangerous for snow sport activities outside marked and open pistes.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size.
As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force southerly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on near-ridge shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Avalanches can additionally be released in the weakly bonded old snow by a single winter sport participant. This applies above approximately 2000 m, especially in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Between approximately 2000 and 2400 m the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater. Avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach dangerously large size. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Experience and restraint are required. An appreciable danger of gliding avalanches exists. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
Wind slabs require caution, especially above approximately 2000 m. Gliding avalanches and snow slides on grassy slopes. This applies in particular below approximately 2000 m.
The sometimes large wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches as before, including dangerously large ones. This applies especially in case of releases originating from very steep, high-altitude and leeward starting zones that have retained the snow thus far. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2000 m. Snow sport activities outside marked and open pistes call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slab
2200m
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution. Wind slabs above approximately 2200 m.
Avalanches can in isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow by small loads, in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes in high Alpine regions. In very isolated cases avalanches can also reach large size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. In particular areas where the snow cover is rather shallow are unfavourable. Very steep, little used slopes are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days above approximately 2200 m. These are mostly easy to recognise but can be released in isolated cases at their margins. In particular transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are unfavourable. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and in shady places that are protected from the wind.
