Huge restraint imperative regionally in winter sports due to the avalanche situation
Avalanche danger above the treeline is high, below that altitude danger is moderate. Large-sized avalanches can in some places be triggered even by one sole skier, esp. on north-facing slopes. Also naturally triggered avalanches and remote triggerings can be expected. Danger zones are almost impossible to recognize. Whumpf noises and cracks when you tread upon the snowpack, as well as fresh avalanche releases, are alarm signals and indicate immanent danger. Size and frequency of danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude. Naturally triggered, medium-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
The 40-60cm of fresh fallen snow was transported far-reachingly, was deposited esp. on shady slopes atop an unfavorable old snowpack. Weak laysers occur both in transitions from fresh snow and drifts to the old snow, as well as inside the old snowpack. On very steep grass-covered slopes the entire snowpack can glide away.
Tendency
Proneness to triggering will slowly recede
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Gliding snow
2000m
Snowdrifts partly covered by new snow and therefore difficult to recognize.
Avalanche danger above the timberline is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. The main problem is fresh snow which can be triggered as small slab avalanches by minimum additonal loading. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep terrain both close to and distant from ridgelines as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In rare cases slab avalanches can grow to large size. In extremely steep terrain new snow can release naturally as medium-sized loose snow avalanches in all aspects. In addition, medium-sized glide snow avalanches can trigger naturally on very steep slopes with smooth ground.
Snowpack
Some places have seen some 40cm of new snow since yesterday. A bit more snow will fall during the night accompanied by heavy southwesterly winds. Weak layers in the new snow as well as fresh and partly extensive snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering. In particular on shady side slopes snowdrifts were deposited atop a soft layer. In some places at high altitude there are still weak layers consisting of faceted crystals close to the snowpack surface. As a consequence of solar radiation the snowpack surface is becoming moist and forfeits its firmness. On south-facing intermediate altitude slopes the new snow fell on warm, partly wet ground which enables gliding movements of the snowpack.
Tendency
Due to milder temperatures trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations will consolidate.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Gliding snow
2400m
New snow
1800m
Dangerous avalanche situation at high altitude
Enduring precipitation: medium and in isolated cases large-sized naturally triggered avalanches are possible in high-altitude starting zones, esp. during the course of the night in the major areas of precipitation. One sole skier can easily trigger avalanches. Remote triggerings are possible, esp. on shady wind-protected slopes where the fresh snowfall has been heavy. Especially treacherous are the foot of rock walls. Avalanches can in isolated cases sweep along the wet snowpack, which extends the plummet path of the releases. In addition, in the major areas of precipitation, mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible. As a result of solar radiation, increaslingly frequent mostly small loose-snow avalanches can be expected. A great deal of experience is imperative in the assessment of avalanche danger.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Above 1800m, 50-60cm of snow was registered, locally more. During the night above 1000m, 10-20 cm of snowfall is still expected. The strong-velocity winds have intensively transported the snow. In the uppermost part of the snowpack, particularly on shady wind-protected slopes, there are soft weak layers. Shady, wind-protected zones above 2400m: lots of fresh snowfall and drifts are being deposited atop unfavorable old snowpack surfaces. Shady slopes where the snow is shallow above 1800m: fresh snow and drifts are being deposited atop a weak old snowpack. Sunny slopes above 2400m: fresh snow and drifts are being deposited atop crusts. Extremely steep grass-covered slopes below 2400m: weather conditions are generally increasing the dange rof glide-snow avalanches. Shady slopes below 1800m: the fresh snow lies deposited atop a thoroughly wet old snowpack.
Tendency
Naturally triggered activity of slab avalanches will decrease
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1600m
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Gliding snow
1600m
Treacherous avalanche situation in backcountry for winter sports
Huge restraint imperative regionally in winter sports due to the avalanche situation
Avalanche danger above 1600m is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanches can in some places be triggered even by one sole skier, esp. on north-facing slopes they can grow to large size. Also naturally triggered avalanches and remote triggerings can be expected. Danger zones are almost impossible to recognize. Whumpf noises and cracks when you tread upon the snowpack, as well as fresh avalanche releases, are alarm signals and indicate immanent danger. Size and frequency of danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude.
Snowpack
The 30-50cm of fresh fallen snow was transported far-reachingly, was deposited esp. on shady slopes atop an unfavorable old snowpack. Weak laysers occur both in transitions from fresh snow and drifts to the old snow, as well as inside the old snowpack. On very steep grass-covered slopes the entire snowpack can glide away.
Tendency
Proneness to triggering will slowly decrease
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Treacherous backcountry avalanche situation due to fresh snow and snowdrifts
Fresh snow and fresh snowdrift accumulations are often triggerable by one sole skier and then possibly growing to medium size. Danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude, particularly on steep shady slopes, behind protruberances in the landscape and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Particularly with solar radiation, naturally triggered loose-snow and slab avalanches of medium size are possible. Activities in backcountry demand experience in avalanche danger assessment. In isolated cases, small slab avalanches can be triggered on high-altitude extremely steep shady slopes also in the old snow.
Snowpack
The large amounts of fresh fallen snow are often being transported by intermittently strong winds. Fresh snow and snowdrifts are poorly-to-moderately bonded with the often soft layers of the old snowpack. The snowdrifts are often blanketed by fresh snowfall, the snowpack below them is generally well consolidated. At lower altitudes the fresh snow often falls on bare ground.
Tendency
Fresh snow and drifts remain prone to triggering
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Gliding snow
2000m
Significant rise in avalanche danger as snowfall intensifies
Danger level 4 - “high” - will be reached above 1800m starting at midday. Due to intensive snowfall, increasingly frequent naturally triggered avalanches can be expected during the course of the day, also large-sized releaes, even by minimum additional loading. Remote triggerings are possible, particularly on steep wind-protected slopes where there has been lots of fresh snow. Also treacherous: the foot of rock walls. On extremely steep stopes, mostly small loose-snow avalanches can be expected. In isolated cases the thoroughly wet snowpack can be swept along, which lengthens the plummet zone of the release. In addition, during the afternoon in the major areas of precipitation, mostly small-sized glide-snow avalanches can release in isolated cases. Exposed sectors of transportation route can be endanged from place to place. A great deal of experience in the assessment of avalanche dangers is imperative.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.3: rain
Above 1800m, 50-120cm of fresh snow was registered, locally more. During the nighttime hours, above 1200m, another 15-30 cm of fresh snow is expected. Strong winds have intensively transported the fresh fallen snow. In the upper part of the snowpack esp. on shady wind-protected slopes there are weak soft layers evident. Shady wind-protected zones above 1800m: lots of fresh snow and drifts lie atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface. Shallow-snow shady slopes above 1800m: fresh snow and drifts will be deposited atop a weak old snowpack. Sunny slopes above 2200m: fresh snow and drifts lie atop a crust. Shady slopes below 1800m: the fresh snow lies atop a thoroughly wet old snowpack.
Tendency
Naturally triggered slab avalanches will decrease when the intensive snowfall comes to an end
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Gliding snow
2400m
New snow
1800m
Dangerous avalanche situation at high altitudes due to fresh snowfall and winds
Avalanche danger lies in the upper zone of Danger Level 3, “considerable.” Avalanches can be triggered widespread by one sole skier and in isolated cases grow to large size. Remote triggerings are possible, esp. on shady wind-protected slopes in zones where snowfall has been heavy. Particularly treacherous are the bottom of rock walls. As a result of solar radiation, increasingly frequent, mostly small-sized loose-snow avalanches can be expected. In addition, in the major areas of precipitation, mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible. Winter sports should limit themselves to secured zones.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Above 1800m, 50-60cm of snow was registered, locally more. During the night above 1000m, 10-20 cm of snowfall is still expected. The strong-velocity winds have intensively transported the snow. In the uppermost part of the snowpack, particularly on shady wind-protected slopes, there are soft weak layers. Shady, wind-protected zones above 2400m: lots of fresh snowfall and drifts are being deposited atop unfavorable old snowpack surfaces. Shady slopes where the snow is shallow above 1800m: fresh snow and drifts are being deposited atop a weak old snowpack. Sunny slopes above 2400m: fresh snow and drifts are being deposited atop crusts. Extremely steep grass-covered slopes below 2400m: weather conditions are generally increasing the dange rof glide-snow avalanches. Shady slopes below 1800m: the fresh snow lies deposited atop a thoroughly wet old snowpack.
Tendency
Naturally triggered slab avalanches will decrease when the intensive snowfall comes to an end
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Significant rise in avalanche danger as snowfall intensifies
Due to fresh snowfall and strong-velocity SW winds, widespread snowdrift accumulations will be generated during the course of the day esp. in ridgeline terrain, in gullies and bowls. These can be easily triggered in all aspects, or else trigger naturally. Avalanches will be mostly medium-sized. We advise against winter sports in steep terrain.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Above 1800m, 50cm of fresh snow was registered, locally more. During the nighttime hours, above 1000m, another 10-20 cm of fresh snow is expected. Strong winds have intensively transported the fresh fallen snow. In the upper part of the snowpack esp. on shady wind-protected slopes there are weak soft layers evident. Shallow-snow shady slopes above 1800m: fresh snow and drifts will be deposited atop a weak old snowpack.
Tendency
Naturally triggered slab avalanches will decrease when the intensive snowfall comes to an end
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Fresh snow and snowdrifts are prone to triggering
Fresh snow and fresh snowdrift accumulations are often triggerable by one sole skier and then possibly growing to medium size. Danger zones occur mostly in steep shady terrain, also behind protruberances in the landscape and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In isolated cases, small slab avalanches can be triggered on high-altitude extremely steep shady slopes also in the old snow.
Snowpack
Intermittently strong westerly winds are transporting the fresh fallen snow and generating snowdrift accumulations. Fresh snow and drifts are poorly-to-moderately bonded with the often soft layers of the old snowpack. The snowdrifts are often blanketed by fresh snowfall, the snowpack below them is generally well consolidated. At lower altitudes the fresh snow often falls on bare ground.
Tendency
Fresh snow and drifts remain prone to triggering
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Caution: fresh snowdrifts
Avalanche danger above 1600m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main danger stems from fresh snowdrifts. Slab avalanches of small-to-medium size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading on steep NW/N/E facing slopes. Danger zones occur near to ridgelines, behind protruberances and in gullies and bowls. Size and frequency of danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude and as the day unfolds. Naturally triggered glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches are possible, mostly small-sized.
Snowpack
The 10-20 cm of fresh fallen snow was transported and deposited atop an often unfavorable old snowpack surface. Near-surface weak layers constitute a faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack both on shady slopes and on recently blanketed fresh snow.
Tendency
The freshly generated snowdrifts will slowly settle.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding snow
Number of avalanche prone locations increases with ascending altitude. Beware of gliding snow in some regions.
Avalanche danger above the timberline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered as slab avalanches by a single person. Avalanche prone locations are found on steep NW-N-E facing slopes adjacent to ridgelines, as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanches attain medium size. In addition, naturally triggering glide snow avalanches can be expected on very steep slopes in regions with large quantities of snow. Avalanche releases are mostly small-sized.
Snowpack
10cm to 30 cm of new snow have fallen. The night will see a little more snowfall accompanied by heavy southwesterly winds. Snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering. In particular on shady side slopes snowdrifts were deposited atop a soft layer. In isolated cases a weak layer consisting of faceted crystals persists close to the snowpack surface at high altitudes. At intermediate altitude in south aspects the new snow was deposited on warm, partly wet ground which enables gliding movements of the snowpack.
Tendency
Snowdrift danger will slowly recede.
Danger level
1700m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1700m
Wet snow
1700m
Persistent weak layers in high altitudes, increasing wet snow problem in medium altitudes.
The avalanche danger is moderate above 1.800 m. the weakend old snow cover underneath the fresh snowdrift deposits are the main problem. Danger Spots are located in northwest- and eastern expositions and are increasing in higher altitudes. Especially in entries and in peripheral areas ti extremly steep gullies and bowls slab avalanches can be triggered. THese can reach medium sizes. In medium altitudes spontaneous wet slab avalanches especially in extremly steep eastern slopes are possible.h
Snowpack
The snowcover is in general unusually thin considering the season. it is already in high altitudes moist and partially wet to the ground. Tuesday fresh snowdrif deposits are accumulating in Northern and eastern expositions on top of a moist and -due to faceted snow crystals weakend - old snow cover.
Tendency
Thursday is predominately sunny and temperatures are around 5 degrees higher than Wednesday. Due to that the setteling of the snow cover is advanced.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Avalanches are hardly possible
As precipitation eases off, avalanches are hardly possible
Snowpack
dp.3: rain
Rainfall led to the snowpack becoming massively wet in all aspected over widespread areas. There is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
Decrease in danger of wet-snow avalanches as precipitation slackens off
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Decrease in danger of wet-snow avalanches as precipitation ends
From starting zones which have not yet discharged, isolated wet-snow avalanches are possible, mostly small-sized, esp. along the Slovenian border. The wet-snow avalanches can from steel gullies plummet down into green zones in the major areas of precipitation.
Snowpack
dp.3: rain
Rainfall led to the snowpack becoming massively wet in all aspects
Tendency
Decreasing danger of wet-snow avalanches as precipitation slackens off
Danger level
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1800m
Little new snow, increasing wet snow problem - avalanche danger low.
The avalanche danger is low. Only in some places in high altitudes an extremely steep and shady gullies and bowls spontaneous small slab avalanches are possible. In case of triggered avalanches risk of injuries is more likely than risk of being buried.
Snowpack
The snow cover is unusual thin for this season and southern slopes as well as exposed areas are predominatly bare. The new snow accumulates predominantly in north to eastern expositions in from of snowdrift deposits. The old snow base is mostly moist and to the ground wet. Tuesday small amounts of snowdrift accumulated in north- to eastern expositions. The old snow cover is weakenddue to faceted snow layers.
Tendency
Thursday is predominately sunny and temperatures are around 5 degrees higher than Wednesday. Due to that the setteling of the snow cover is advanced.
