Assess slab avalanche danger zones with caution on shady slopes
Avalanche danger above 2200m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Slab avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier and reach medium size where snow is sufficient or if fractures down to more deeply embedded layers occur. Danger zones occur esp. on NW/N/E facing slopes, esp. near ridgelines and behind protruberances in the terrain and at entries into steep gullies and bowls. Danger zones often blanketed, making them difficult to recognize. Avalanches in the old snow above 2200m are isolated, possible only in extremely steep terrain on north-facing slopes. During the course of the day, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in all aspects, releases will be generally small-sized. On steep grass-covered slopes, very isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
The fresh snow has been deposited on steep shady slopes above 2200m atop an expansively metamorphosed snowpack which is prone to triggering in places. On sunny slopes and at lower altitudes, the bonding of fresh fallen snow to the old snowpack is generally good, the surface moistens during the daytime, forms a thin melt-freeze crust at night - not capable of bearing loads. Weak layers in the lowermost part of the snowpack are no longer likely to trigger.
Tendency
As temperatures gradually rise, likelihood of triggering w recede. The snowpack surface is becoming increasingly moist.
Danger level
Generally favorable avalanche situation
Avalanche danger is low. Isolated danger zones occur near ridgelines, esp. in steep shady terrain at summit level. Apart from the danger of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall demand adequate consideration. During the course of the day, small loose-snow slides continue to be possible. On steep grass-covered slopes, isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
On shady slopes at high altitudes, isolated weak layers in transitions from old to fresh snow. On sunny slopes and at lower altitudes the bonding of fresh snow to old snow is generally good, the snowpack is often moistened and forms a thin melt-freeze crust during the night.
Tendency
Little change anticipated. As temperatures gradually ris, likelihood of triggering will recede.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Caution on shady slopes: still danger zones for small slab avalanches. Otherwise predominantly favorable conditions.
Avalanche danger is low. Freshly generated snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by one sole skier and reach medium size where snow is sufficient. Danger zones occur esp. on NW/N/E facing slopes, esp. near ridgelines and behind protruberances in the terrain and at entries into steep gullies and bowls. Danger zones often blanketed, making them difficult to recognize. During the course of t day, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible in all aspects, releases will be generally small-sized. On steep grass-covered slopes, very isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
The fresh snow has been deposited on steep shady slopes above 2200m atop an expansively metamorphosed snowpack which is prone to triggering in places. On sunny slopes and at lower altitudes, the bonding of fresh fallen snow to the old snowpack is generally good, the surface moistens during the daytime, forms a thin melt-freeze crust at night - not capable of bearing loads. Weak layers in t lowermost part of the snowpack are no longer likely to trigger.
Tendency
As temperatures gradually rise, likelihood of triggering will recede. The snowpack is moistening increasingly.
