The large quantity of fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. As a consequence of the heavy precipitation a large number of natural dry avalanches are to be expected by the early morning. These can release the entire snowpack and reach large size. In the typical avalanche paths in particular on north and east facing slopes the avalanches can in some cases reach intermediate altitudes. Exposed parts of transportation routes can be endangered here. The snow sport conditions outside marked and open pistes are dangerous.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Natural avalanches are to be expected in particular during the night. Avalanches can release the entire snowpack. In particular from starting zones at higher altitudes very large avalanches, capable of reaching intermediate altitudes, must be expected in isolated cases. The conditions are critical for snow sport activities outside marked and open pistes. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
New snow
1800m
For those venturing off piste a critical avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions.
The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. Additionally in some places avalanches can also penetrate deep layers and reach dangerously large size. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches very easily. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
2400m
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Considerable avalanche danger will be encountered over a wide area.
The new snow and wind slabs of the last two days are in some cases prone to triggering. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches. Avalanches can reach medium size. Additionally avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.
Below approximately 2500 m individual small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Moderate avalanche danger will be encountered over a wide area. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
In some places avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach dangerously large size. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. They are difficult to recognise. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. In addition the somewhat older wind slabs are capable of being triggered in some cases still. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for defensive route selection.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Wind slab
2400m
To some extent avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. In addition the more recent wind slabs are prone to triggering in some cases. They are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence in very steep terrain. Careful route selection is recommended.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in extremely steep terrain. Even a small avalanche can sweep people along and give rise to falls.
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
Only a little snow is lying. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in extremely steep terrain. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls.
