Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate. Snowdrifts are problematic. Fresh and older snowdrifts can trigger a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche by minimum additional loading in some places. Danger zones occur in steep east and south-facing terrain and tend to increase with ascending altitude, but still are small-sized. In addition, there is a persistent weak layer problem, unrecognizable without looking inside the snowpack. Danger zones occur in northern aspects and can be triggered particularly by large additional loading. In isolated cases they can grow to medium size.
Snowpack
On south-facing slopes, a thin melt-freeze crust will form overnight in many places. On shady slopes the snow will remain soft. Westerly winds will set in during the nocturnal hours, during the daytime hours snowfall will set in. The loose snow will be transported by winds, generate snowdrifted masses in summit and ridgeline areas. Size and frequency of the drifts will tend to increase with ascending altitude. At altitudes of 1800-2200m, there is a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads, beneath which a weak layer of faceted crystals has formed. The old snowpack base has varying depths, it is often lacking in wind-exposed zones. At intermediate altitudes the snow base is often moist, wet in some places, which can lead the entire snowpack to gliding over smooth ground.
Tendency
Depending on amounts of fresh fallen snow, avalanche danger levels could increase further.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding snow
Winds are generating small snowdrift accumulations.
Avalanche danger is low. Snowdrifts are often problematic above the treeline. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Slab avalanches can be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast. The releases will mostly be small-sized. In isolated cases on very steep slopes small glide-snow avalanches can release over smooth ground.
Snowpack
On south-facing slopes, a thin melt-freeze crust will form overnight in many places. On shady slopes the snow will remain soft. Westerly winds will set in during the nocturnal hours, during the daytime hours snowfall will set in. The loose snow will be transported by winds, generate snowdrifted masses in summit and ridgeline areas. Size and frequency of the drifts will tend to increase with ascending altitude. At altitudes of 1800-2200m, there is a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads, beneath which a weak layer of faceted crystals has formed. The old snowpack base has varying depths, it is often lacking in wind-exposed zones. At intermediate altitudes the snow base is often moist, wet in some places, which can lead the entire snowpack to gliding over smooth ground.
