Danger zones hard to recognize. Cautious route selection advised.
Avalanche danger above 2200m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Avalanches can in some places be triggered even by one sole skier. Above 2200m avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers in the snowpack, particularly on steep north-facing slopes. Also naturally triggered avalanches and remote triggerings are possible. Whumpf noises and cracks when you tread upon the snowpack, as well as fresh avalanche releases, are alarm signals and indicate imminent danger. Naturally triggered glide-snow and loose-snow avalanches are possible, mostly small sized releases. Small-to-medium naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
Inside the old snowpack on very steep shady slopes there are weak layers of faceted crystals, snowdrifts form the slab at surface level. On the one hand, the snow was able to metamorhose esp. where snow is shallow; on the other, below the near-surface melt-freeze crust there are also faceted crystals. At intermediate altitudes the old snowpack is moist due to the rain impact. On very steep grassy slopes the entire snowpac can begin to glide away.
Tendency
Persistent weak layer problem will gradually recede as snowpack settles
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Gliding snow
2200m
Snowdrifts often still prone to triggering at high altitudes
In some places avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier, mostly medium-sized releases. Danger zones tend to increase in frequency with ascending altitude, particularly on steep shady slopes, but also behind protruberances in the landscape. Activities in backcountry demand much experience in assessing dangers and defensive conduct. At lower altitudes, danger is moderate. In addition, on very steep grassy slopes, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.
Snowpack
The fresh snow from the beginning of the week lies deposited atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface, particularly on shady slopes. As a result of strong southerly winds it was transported far-reachingly. The snowdrifts are often poorly bonded with the old snowpack and are prone to triggering. Avalanche triggerings are possible esp. inside the near-surface layers and in transitions to the old snow. Snowdrifts have often been blanketed, making them hard to recognize. On sunny slopes the most recent fresh fallen snow is already bonded. The old snowpack beneath it is well consolidated. At lower altitudes the fresh snow often fell on bare ground.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels will decrease further
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Gliding snow
2400m
Main danger: weak layers in old snowpack
Avalanches can be treiggered even by one sole skier, esp. on shady wind-protected slopes. Isolated danger zones occur also on sunny slopes which are little skied on in high alpine terrain, in isolated cases releases can grow to large size. Remote triggerings are possible, particularly treacherous are the foot of rock walls. A defensive route selection is important. In addition, on wind-loaded slopes, surface layers can be triggered in some places, the releases mostly small but easily triggered. In the major areas of precipitation, isolated and mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Shady wind-protected slopes above 2400m: in the lower part of the old snowpack there are faceted expansively metamorphosed weak layers evident. On shady slopes where the snow is rather shallow above 1800m: fresh snow and drifts blanket a weak old snowpack. Shady slopes below 1800m: the fresh snow lies atop a hardened crust.
Tendency
Little change is expected in avalanche danger levels
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
Caution esp. at transitions from shallow to deep snow!
Avalanche danger above 2000m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: weak layers in old snow. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered especially by large additional loading at transitions from shall to deep snow. Avalanche prone locations occur primarily in very steep terrain in W/N/E aspects. Frequency and size increase with ascending altitude. In addition, on very steep slopes with smooth ground below 2000m isolated small glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in all aspects. Avoid stopping or staying below glide cracks.
Snowpack
A few centimeters of new snow cover older snowdrift accumulations. At higher altitudes the middle part of the snowpack contains weak layers consisting of faceted crystals close to melt-freeze crusts with varying thickness. Up to intermediate altitudes a thin superficial crust will form during the course of the night. The snowpack base is frequently wet at the base, as a consequence the snowpack can start gliding over smooth ground.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels will diminish amid calm high pressure weather.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Caution urged in transitions from shallow to deeper snow
Avalanche danger above 2000m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Slabs can be triggered even by one sole skier on W/N/E facing slopes. Size and frequency of danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude. Danger zones are nearly impossible to recognize in open terrain. Whumpf noises and cracks when you tread upon the snowpack, as well as fresh avalanche releases, are alarm signals and indicate imminent danger. In addition, snowdrift accumulations in the near-surface layers can be triggered in some places, releases mostly small. Naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
Inside the old snowpack on very steep shady slopes there are weak layers of faceted crystals, snowdrifts form the slab at surface level. On the one hand, the snow was able to metamorhose esp. where snow is shallow; on the other, below the near-surface melt-freeze crust there are also faceted crystals. At intermediate altitudes the old snowpack is moist due to the rain impact. On very steep grassy slopes the entire snowpac can begin to glide away.
Tendency
Persistent weak layer problem will gradually recede as snowpack settles
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Gliding snow
1800m
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Gliding snow
2200m
Caution in transitions from shallow to deeper snow
In some places avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier, mostly above 2000m in transitions from shallow to deep snow, e.g. at entry points into gullies and bowls, the releases mostly small-to-medium. Danger zones tend to increase in frequency with ascending altitude, particularly on steep shady slopes, but also behind protruberances in the landscape. In addition, on very steep grassy slopes, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.
Snowpack
The fresh snow from the beginning of the week lies deposited atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface, particularly on shady slopes. As a result of strong southerly winds it was transported far-reachingly. The snowdrifts are often poorly bonded with the old snowpack and are prone to triggering. Avalanche triggerings are possible esp. inside the near-surface layers and in transitions to the old snow. Snowdrifts have often been blanketed, making them hard to recognize. On sunny slopes the most recent fresh fallen snow is already bonded. The old snowpack beneath it is well consolidated. At lower altitudes the fresh snow often fell on bare ground.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels will decrease further
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Old snow in high altitudes still prone to triggering.
Moderate avalanche danger above 1.800 m b. The main problem still a weak old snow cover underneath fresh snowdrift deposits. Danger spots are predominately in entries and peripheral areas of extremly steep gullies and bowls in the north to east expositions. Below 2.000 m spontaneous glidingsnow or gliding loose snow avalanches coming from extremly steep slopes are possible. Avoid areas below glide cracks.
Snowpack
The snowcover is moist even in high altitudes and partially wet till the ground. Exposed areas are icy and hard. Especially in northern and eastern expositions driftsnow deposits have settled. They accumulated on top of a moist old snow cover which is weakened due to metamorphosis. In steep areas the wet snow cover is prone to triggering when it’s on top of grass or smooth surfaces.
Tendency
On Saturday the weather will be better due to upcoming south currents in the region north of the Alpenhauptkamm. No significant change of the avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Caution: weak layers in old snowpack
Avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier in some places, particularly on shady wind-protected slopes in zones. Danger zones and likelihood of triggering tned to increase with ascending altitude. Avalanches can grow to medium size. In addition, in places avalanches can be triggered in the surface layers, releases usually small but easily triggerable.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
Snowfall (5-10cm) is expected, locally more. The SW winds will transport the fresh snow. On shady slopes above 1800m: snowdrift accumulations are often poorly bonded with the old snowpack. In the lower part of the snowpack there are faceted expansively metamorphosed weak layers evident. On shady slopes below 1800m: weather conditions are consolidating the snowpack during the nocturnal hours. The fresh snow lies deposited atop a hardened crust.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger levels anticipated
Danger level
Very little snow on the ground
Avalanches hardly possible
Snowpack
Rainfall led to the snowpack becoming massively wet in all aspected over widespread areas. There is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger levels expected
Danger level
1400m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1400m
Avalanche danger is low. Persistent weak layers in old snow can become a problem. Small slab avalanches can be triggered in particular by large additional loading. Isolated danger prone locations occur at transitions from shallow to deep snow in very steep W/N/E-facing terrain.
Snowpack
A few centimeters of new snow cover older snowdrift accumulations. At higher altitudes the middle part of the snowpack contains weak layers consisting of faceted crystals close to melt-freeze crusts. Elsewhere the snowpack is by and large stable. Up to intermediate altitudes a thin superficial crust will form during the course of the night. The snowpack base is partly wet. Therefore, gliding movements of the snowpack cannot be exlcuded.
Tendency
Danger level
Isolated danger zones occur on NW/N/NE facing slopes above 1800m
Due to fresh snow and SW winds, small snowdrift accumulations have been generated in gullies and bowls. Isolated danger zones occuron NW/N/NE facing slopes above 1800m.
Snowpack
Some snowfall is anticipated. The SW winds will transport the fresh fallen snow. Freshly generated snowdrift accumulations will be deposited on NW/N/NE facing slopes above 1800m atop soft layewrs. Below 1600m there is hardly any snow on the ground.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger levels anticipated
Danger level
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
Avalanche danger low, little snow.
Avalanche danger low. Only in some places spontaneous glidingsnow and wet loose snow avalanches coming from extremly steep slops are possible. Avoid areas below open gliding cracks. Risk of injuries is more likely than risks of falling or being buried.
Snowpack
In general the snow amount is below the average. Southern slopes and exposed areas are predominatels bare and the surfaces are icy and hard in the morning. Everywhere else the snowcover is even on summits moist and partially wet till the ground. In some places in northern to eastern high altitudes expositions frech thin snowdriftis layered on top of an old snow cover which is weakened due to kinetic metamorphosis.
Tendency
On Saturday the weather will be better due to upcoming south currents in the region north of the Alpenhauptkamm. No significant change of the avalanche danger.
Danger level
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Avalanche danger is low. On very steep grass-covered slopes, mostly small glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.
Snowpack
Due to often strong southerly winds, the latest bout of fresh snowfall was transported to highest-altitude ridgeline terrain and exposed terrain, on north-facing slopes to loose snowpack surface. On sunny slopes the most recent snowfall is already bonded. The snowpack beneath it is generally well consolidated. At lower altitudes the fresh snow often fell on bare ground.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Only isolated danger zones
Avalanche danger is low, only in isolated cases can a small slab or small glide-snow avalanche be triggered
Snowpack
The small amount of snow is quite compact and often capped by a hardened and icy crust atop of which a few cm of loose or wind-compacted snow lie deposited.
