Avalanche danger below 2000m is moderate, above that altitude danger is low. Gliding snow is the main problem. On very steep slopes with deep enough snow and a smooth ground surface, glide-snow avalanches possible to an increasing extent. Avalanches of medium size are possible. In addition, small wet loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally, esp. on sunny, extremely steep, rocky slopes.
Snowpack
Due to daytime warming it softens up rapidly during the day. The snowpack is then moist on the surface esp. in places where the snow is shallow, forfeiting firmness, in some places it is utterly wet. On shady slopes at high altitudes is the loose snow still dry. Snowpack analysis and snow profiles show good snowpack stability by and large. On south-facing slopes the ground is becoming bare of snow.
Tendency
Due to intensifying winds and fresh snow, danger of dry slab avalanches could increase at mid-week.
Danger level
Caution: danger zones on high-altitude W/N/E facing slopes
Weak layers in the old snow can be triggered in very isolated cases by one sole skier on steep W/N/E facing slopes above 2300m. Caution in transitions from shallow to deeper snow, e.g. at entry points into gullies and bowls. These danger zones occur seldom. Avalanche releases tend to be small-sized. Small wet loose-snow avalanches are still possible. The risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses.
Snowpack
Shady slopes above 2300m: in the lowermost part of the snowpack there are faceted, expansively metamorphosed weak layers, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes. Sunny slopes and slopes at low and intermediate altitudes: the uppermost part of the snowpack is moist, regionally wet. This situation is softening the snowpack particularly at low and intermediate altitudes. Highly varied snowpack. There is too little snow on the ground for this juncture of the season.
Tendency
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Small danger zones on extremely steep shady slopes. Isolated glide-snow avalanches possible.
Avalanche danger is low. Triggering of slab avlaanches is currently possible only in few places on extremely steep slopes. Gliding snow activity is increasing below 2400m. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases. Small wet loose-snow avalanches are possible in extremely steep terrain.
Snowpack
Shady slopes: on steep shady slopes above 1500m the snowpack is expansively metamorphosed. Weak layers in the lowermost part of the snowpack are no longer likely to trigger. Particjularly in the foehn lanes, shallow hardened snowdrift accumujlations disturb descents through nobby powder snow on occasion. Elsewhere the snowpack surface on north-facing slopes is often still loose. Sunny slopes: due to mild temperatures and solar radiation the snowpack surface has become wet. During the nighttime hours a melt-freeze crust can hardly form. The search for firn snow tomorrow will be challenging.
Tendency
No significant change in danger levels anticipated.
Danger of small (where snow is sufficient, medium-sized) glide-snow avalanches on steep grass-covered or rocky slopes still threatens. Caution urged below glide cracks. Otherwise, avalanche danger is low. Small wet loose-snow avalanches are possible on sunny extrmely steep slopes. Isolated avalanche triggerings by winter sports enthusiasts are possible in extremely steep terrain. Apart from the danger of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall require adequate consideration.
Snowpack
The below-average snowpack is well consolidated by and large. In high altitude pass and ridgeline zones, small fresh, often trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations require attentiveness. Esp. on steep shady slopes these drifts have been deposited atop loose snow and are prone to triggering. High-altitude shady slopes are often still powdery, elsewhere the snowpack is often with breakable crusts, sometimes wind crusts are capable of bearing loads. On sunny slopes, a melt-freeze crust. During the daytime hours, this crust softens up again. In recent days increasingly frequent fresh glide cracks and glide-snow avalanches have been reported.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels not expected to change significantly
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
2000m
Danger of falls on icy surfaces
Avalanche danger is low. Wet snow can be problematic. Small loose-snow avalanches can triggered during the daytime hours, mostly on extremely steep slopes at intermediate altitudes. On very steep slopes with deep enough snow and a smooth ground surface, glide-snow avalanches possible.
Snowpack
Due to daytime warming it softens up rapidly during the day. The snowpack is then moist on the surface esp. in places where the snow is shallow, forfeiting firmness, in some places it is utterly wet. On shady slopes at high altitudes is the loose snow still dry. Snowpack analysis and snow profiles show good snowpack stability by and large. On south-facing slopes the ground is becoming bare of snow.
Tendency
Due to intensifying winds and fresh snow, danger of dry slab avalanches could increase at mid-week.
Danger level
Avalanche danger low. The amount of snow is low.
Still low avalanche danger. Danger spots can be located in high altitudes in shady, extremely steep areas. There slab avalanches and driftsnow accumulations could be triggered.
Snowpack
In high altitudes small amounts of snowdrift accumulations have formed which partially are on top of faceted snow which can be considered as weak layers in rare cases. The snow surface got wet on Saturday, but will be hard on Sunday. Blown-off areas are hard and icy. The kinetic metamorphosis weakens the snow base on shady slopes.
Tendency
Foehn-like southwesterly winds are clearing up the clouds a little bit during the day. After sunset it will get cloudy and the mountains foggy. Southwesterly winds with 30 km/h speed. Temperatures in 2.000 m are around 2 degrees. The avalanche danger stays low.
Danger level
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
Favorable conditions
In high-altitude ridgeline and pass areas, small drifted massed need attentiveness from place to place, they are on occasion prone to triggering. Apart from the danger of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall require adequate consideration. Danger of small (where snow is sufficient, medium-sized) glide-snow avalanches on steep grass-covered or rocky slopes still threatens. Caution urged below glide cracks. Small wet loose-snow avalanches are possible on sunny extrmely steep slopes.
Snowpack
The below-average snowpack is well consolidated by and large. In high altitude pass and ridgeline zones, small fresh, often trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations require attentiveness. Esp. on steep shady slopes these drifts have been deposited atop loose snow and are prone to triggering. High-altitude shady slopes are often still powdery, elsewhere the snowpack is often with breakable crusts, sometimes wind crusts are capable of bearing loads. On sunny slopes, a melt-freeze crust. During the daytime hours, this crust softens up again. In recent days increasingly frequent fresh glide cracks and glide-snow avalanches have been reported.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels not expected to change significantly
