Slabs still triggerable by large additional loading.
Avalanche danger is low. Locally, weak layers in the old snowpack can be problematic. Small slab avalanches can be triggered in isolated cases by large additional loading, which happens more likely in places with little snow. Avalanche prone locations occur in extremely steep ridgeline terrain in W/N/E aspects as well as at entries into gullies and bowls. Dangers of being swept away and of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses.
Snowpack
Due to mild temperatures the snowpack will settle and stabilize. There is little snow in south aspects which is encrusted in the morning before softening during the course of the day. In north aspects at high altitudes, foehn winds will locally generate shallow snowdrift accumulations. In addition, from place to place trigger-sensitive interim layers persist in the uppermost part of the snowpack. Fracture propagation over wide-spread areas is not likely. In wind-exposed areas, the snowpack surface is wind-compacted; on shady side slopes at higher altitude there is still loose snow on a stable old snow base.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels will remain low.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1600m
Fresh snowdrifts prone to triggering
Avalanche danger above 1600m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh snowdrift accumulations are problematic. Small slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole skier. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain on W/N/E facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Give consideration to the risks of being swept alone and forced to take a fall.
Snowpack
As a result of strong-velocity southerly winds, small-sized snowdrifts are accumulating. These are being deposited atop an irregular snowpack and can be prone to triggering, particularly if the old snowpack in shady regions is expansively metamorphosed. At high altitudes, in addition, trigger-sensitive intermediate layers in the uppermost part of the snowpack have persisted. Larger fractures over wide surfaces are unlikely. On south-facing slopes there is little snow on the ground, usually encrusted in the early morning hours, then softening later on. In wind-exposed terrain, the snowpack surface is wind-pressed; on shady slopes there is still loosely-packed zone atop a stable old snowpack fundament in wind-protected zones.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels are expected to recede again.
