Backcounry tours demand a defensive route selection
Avalanche danger above 2200m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Slab avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading. Esp. on W/N/E-facing slopes above 2200m, avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack and grow to large size. On extremely steep slopes, naturally triggered (or person-triggered) wet loose-snow avalanches of medium size are expected due to daytime warming and solar radiation. On steep grass-covered slopes, medium-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
Due to daytime warming the snowpack is rapidly settling, above 2000m there are faceted crystals forming a weak layer. In the lower and middle parts of the snowpack above 2200m there are weak layers of faceted crystals which are embedded between crusts. Below 2000m the old snow is sticky or moist, after nights of cloudy skies it softens quickly during the morning hours and forfeits its bonding. Over ground which previously was bare of snow the fresh fallen snow can glide away as a glide-snow avalanche.
Tendency
Persistent weak layer problem gradually receding
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Gliding snow
Fresh snow and drifts prone to triggering
Avalanche danger is moderate. On extremely steep sunny slopes, naturally triggered (or person-triggered) avalanches of medium size are possible due to daytime warming and solar radiation. On steep grass-covered slopes, medium-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible which can reach medium size. On shady steep slopes small avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered from the snowdrift accumulations. Drifts are hard to recognize due to the fresh snow blanketing them.
Snowpack
Due to daytime warming the snowpack is further settling, layers inside the snowpack are well consolidated. Above 2000m on north-facing slopes there are faceted crystals forming a weak layer in the lower part of the snowpack. Below 2000m the old snow is sticky or moist, after nights of cloudy skies it softens quickly during the morning hours and forfeits its bonding. Over ground which previously was bare of snow the fresh fallen snow can glide away as a glide-snow avalanche.
Tendency
Little change expected
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
2200m
Wet snow
2000m
Gliding snow
2400m
Snowdrift accumulations still prone to triggering but difficult to recognize
Avalanche danger is moderate. On extremely steep sunny slopes, naturally triggered (or person-triggered) avalanches of medium size are possible due to daytime warming and solar radiation. Avalanches can be triggered in the snowdrift accumulations in some places by minimum additional loading, esp. on steep shady slopes. Drifts are hard to recognize due to the fresh snow blanketing them, releases can grow to medium size. On extremely steep sunny slopes below 2000m, increasingly frequent wet loose-snow avalanches of medium size are possible due to daytime rising temperatures and solar radiation. Also medium-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible on very steep grass-covered slopes.
Snowpack
Due to daytime warming the snowpack is further settling, layers inside the snowpack are well consolidated. Above 2200m there are faceted crystals forming a weak layer in the lower part of the snowpack. Inside the old snowpack fundament on north-facing slopes above 2200m and on W/S/E-facing slopes above 2400m, there are faceted crystals. Below 2000m the old snow is sticky or moist, after nights of cloudy skies it softens quickly during the morning hours and forfeits its bonding. Over ground which previously was bare of snow the fresh fallen snow can glide away as a glide-snow avalanche.
Tendency
Wet-snow problem at high altitudes is dimishing
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Assess with caution trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations
Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanches can in some zones be triggered by one sole skier, and grow to medium size. Danger zones occur on north-facing slopes above 2200m. Snowdrift accumulations are occur often distant from ridgelines, behind protruberances in the terrain and in gullies and bowls. Medium sized glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in very to extremely steep grass-covered terrain.Avalanche danger is moderate. Small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally on extremely steep grass-covered slopes. On extremely steep slopes, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected.
Snowpack
Due to daytime warming the snowpack is further settling, layers inside the snowpack are well consolidated. Above 2000m on north-facing slopes there are faceted crystals forming a weak layer in the lower part of the snowpack. Below 2000m the old snow is sticky or moist, after nights of cloudy skies it softens quickly during the morning hours and forfeits its bonding. Over ground which previously was bare of snow the fresh fallen snow can glide away as a glide-snow avalanche.
