Danger level
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Danger level
 | 2400m |
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Persistent weak layer at high altitudes: caution!
Avalanche danger abover 2400m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main danger: persistent weak layer Slabs can be triggered even by one single skier, particularly on W/N/E facing slopes, in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Avalanches can reach medium size During the course of the day, small wet-snow slides can trigger naturally due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, particularly on south-facing slopes below 2400m and in extremely steep terrain (>40°). In addition, small glide-snow avalanches are possible in all aspects at any time of day or night. Small slabs in the snowdrifts are triggerable only in few places: near ridglines, on shady slopes from minimum additional loading.
Snowpack
In high alpine regions there are faceted layers inside the old snowpack which are often covered by hardened layers. In addition, there are still loose layers near the surface which are covered. At lower and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moistened by higher temperatures, in places it is completely wet. Overnight a melt-freeze crust can form in these places which then softens up during the daytime. The snowpack currently evidences no marked weak layers. On grass-covered slopes and over rocky plates, the entire snowpack can start to glide.
Tendency
Increasing avalanche danger levels expected due to fresh snow and wind impact.
Danger level
 | 2000m |
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Isolated small danger zones in old snowpack at high altitudes.
Avalanche danger is low. In some places, weak layers persist in the old snowpack which can be triggered on few, very steep high altitude slopes in N-E aspects. Mostly, high additional loading will be necessary and avalanches tend to remain small. Small wet loose sluffs can trigger naturally. Small glide snow avalanches can release on steep smooth grass-covered slopes.
Snowpack
At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is completely soaked, and at high altitudes superficially moist. During the night, a thin melt-freeze crust can form at the snowpack surface which softens again during the day. Where the snowpack borders the ground, it is often wet, in particular at intermediate altitudes; therefore it can start gliding over smooth ground. In the vicinity of thin rain crusts and melt-freeze crusts embedded in the snowpack at high altitudes there are layers consisting of faceted crystals; some of them are prone to triggering. Snow depths vary. Ridges and crests are blown bare; south-facing slopes are becoming increasingly bare. All in all, there is little snow.
Tendency
Due to snowfall and wind fresh snowdrifts will be generated on Friday; avalanche danger will increase.
Danger level
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Loose-snow slides during the daytime in extremely steep terrain
Avalanche danger is low. Due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in extremely steep terrain (>40°). Also small glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night in all aspects.
Snowpack
Due to rising temperatures, the snowpack has receded and is moistened at surface level up to intermediate altitudes, or else utterly wet. Overnight a melt-freeze crust can form which will then soften up during the daytime. The snowpack evidences currently no marked weak layers. On grass-covered slopes or rocky plates the entire snowpack could begin to glide away. At high altitudes the near-surface loose-snow layers are often blanketed.
Tendency
Increasing avalanche danger levels (snowdrift problem) expected due to fresh snow and wind impact.