Increase in avalanche danger as the snowfall becomes more intense.
The large quantity of fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs can be released easily, or, in isolated cases naturally above the tree line. The fresh and older wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Avalanches can reach medium size.
Avalanches can in isolated cases penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach large size, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m.
In addition gliding avalanches are possible, especially on cut and grassy slopes below approximately 2400 m.
In addition small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches are possible, in particular on extremely steep slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Over a wide area 30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The wind will be strong at times. Further wind slabs will form. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together.
The old snowpack will be weakly bonded in some places, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.
As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind, extensive wind slabs will form in all aspects. These can be released easily. or in isolated cases naturally, above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
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
10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The sometimes storm force wind will transport the new snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together.
The old snowpack will be weakly bonded in some places, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Individual natural avalanches are possible.
Increase in avalanche danger as the snowfall becomes more intense. New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
The fresh and older wind slabs can be released easily. or in isolated cases naturally, above the tree line. Such avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Avalanches can reach medium size.
Avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack and reach large size, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. The wind will be strong at times. Further wind slabs will form. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together.
The old snowpack will be weakly bonded in some places, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. New snow and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
The hard wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.
Winter sport participants can release avalanches in isolated cases. They can be triggered in the old snowpack and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes. Especially 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.
Snowpack
dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding
Some snow will fall in some regions.
The gusty wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. Hard wind slabs formed. These are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Tendency
Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow requires caution.
As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northerly wind, extensive wind slabs will form in all aspects. These can be released even by a single winter sport participant above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
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
Some snow will fall in some regions. The sometimes storm force wind will transport the fresh and old snow. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together.
The old snowpack will be weakly bonded in some places, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.
Tendency
As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from northerly directions, further wind slabs will form. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.
Additionally in very isolated cases avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach medium size, especially on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow will fall. The wind will be strong adjacent to ridgelines. Further wind slabs will form. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together.
Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will persist. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.
