Main problem: weak layers in old snow at high altitudes
Avalanche danger levels are moderate. Avalanches can be triggered even by minimum additional loading in some places above 2200m. Danger zones occur particularly on north-facing slopes above 2200m. Danger zones increase in frequency with ascending altitude. Avalanches can be medium-sized. Caution urged in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Glide-snow avalanches of medium size can trigger at any time of day or night. Circumvent zones below glide cracks.
Snowpack
At night on sunny slopes and at low altitudes, a melt-freeze crust can form which then softens during the course of the day. The fresh snow has been transported far-reachingly. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim even at the forest rims. The most recent snowfall has settled well, it is still loose on north-facing slopes. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is generally unfavorable with several weak layers of faceted crystals. Over small areas faceted crystals at ground-level layers at low altitudes are still prone to triggering. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.
Tendency
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Main problem: persistent weak layer
Avalanche danger levels above 2000m are moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanches of medium size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading in some places above 2200m, particularly on W/N/SE facing slopes and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude. Avalanches can reach medium size.
Snowpack
The snow on sunny slopes and at low altitudes can form a melt-freeze crust at night which then softens during the daytime. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies, bowls and slopes near forest rims are filled with snow. The transported snow has settled in the interim. Above 2000m the snowpack layering is generally unfavorable, several weak layers are evident with faceted crystals. Especially on north-facing slopes the covered surface hoar is prone to triggering.
Tendency
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Circumvent zones below glide cracks
Avalanche danger is low. Gliding snow is the main problem. In some places or on rock plates, small glide-snow avalanches can release at any time of day or night.
Snowpack
The snow on sunny slopes and at low altitudes can form a melt-freeze crust at night which then softens during the daytime. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies, bowls and slopes near forest rims are filled with snow. The transported snow has settled in the interim. The entire snowpack can glide over grassy slopes and steep rock plates.
