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
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slab
2500m
Snowdrifts and persistent weak layers are the main danger
Fresh snowfall and stormy northerly winds generated new snowdrift accumulations esp. in gullies and bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain which can often be triggered in the old snow and reach medium size, particularly in wind-protected zones. Even one sole skier can trigger avalanches, esp. above 2200m. Danger zones occur esp. on W/N/E-facing slopes above 2200m. Very isolated danger zones occur also on south-facing slopes above 2200m. In isolated cases, avalanches can sweep along more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack. Danger zones and likelihood of triggering will increase during the course of the day. In addition, avalanches can trigger and fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack, then grow to large size in isolated cases. Whumpf noises and glide cracks can indicate imminent danger. Due to daytime warmth and solar radiation, moist and wet avalanches are possible, esp. on steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
The newly generated snowdrifts lie deposited in all aspects above 2200m atop soft layers. On N/W/E-facing slopes, trigger-sensitive weak layers are evident. The new snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop soft layers above 2200m. At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moist. Below 1700m there is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
Activity of moist and wet-snow avalanches is increasing
The recent snowdrifts are prone to triggering, one sole skier can trigger small-to-medium sized avalanches. Danger zones occur in steep shady ridgeline terrain and wind-loaded gullies and bowls, they increase with ascending altitude.Due to daytime warming and solar radiation, mostly small loose-snow avalanches are possible esp. on sun-basked and rocky steep slopes. The danger of small, in isolated cases medium-sized glide-snow avalances remains difficult to assess.
Snowpack
Recent fresh fallen snow plus N/E winds have generated fresh snowdrift accumulations which often lie deposited atop a soft, at intermediate altitudes atop an encrusted old snowpack surface. Bonding deteriorates with increasing altitude. On steep shady slopes the uppermost layers of the snowpack are often soft, on sunny slopes already bonded and in the early morning hours capable of bearing loads. The snowpack is throughly wet up to high altitudes but all-in-all well consolidated.
Tendency
Danger of dry-snow avalanches not expected to change. Due to warmth and solar radiation, increasingly frequent slides and loose-snow avalanches expected.
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
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Wet snow
Loose-snow avalanches will trigger naturally in the sunshine
Above 1500m avalanche danger is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Snowdrift accumulations are the major problem, esp. on sunny, extremely steep slopes where loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. At high altitudes avalanches can in isolated cases grow to large size. Exposed transportation routes and hiking trails can be at risk. Fresh snow and drifts at high altitudes can trigger slab avalanches at high altitudes even be minimum additional loading, Caution esp. in steep ridgeline terrain and in gullies and bowls. In addition, on very steep grass-covered dlopes and in very steep sparsely wooded forest zones, glide-snow avalanches can be expected, esp. wherever the ground was bare of snow prior to this bout of precipitation, glide-snow avlanches can grow to medium size.
Snowpack
The powerful energy transmitted by the sun is loosening bonded snow so that the fresh fallen snow on steep slopes can trigger as loose-snow avalanches. Gusty and often stormy winds from varying directions accompanied the snowfall over the last few days and generated new snowdrift accumulations. In many places, graupel is embedded in the new snow. At intermediate altitudes the fresh snow was often deposited atop wet ground which prior to the precipitation was bare of snow.
Tendency
Avalanche danger will gradually recede, wet snow will become the problem.
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
1200m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
2200m
1200m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Wet snow
Favorable conditions. Beware daytime warming.
One sole skier can trigger small-to-medium sized avalanches in the fresh snow and fresh drifts, releases mostly small-sized. Danger zones are often blanketed, difficult to recognize, they occur in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and tend to increase in frequency with ascending altitude. Whumpf noises and glide cracks when you tread upon the snowpack surface are indicators of possible danger. Also naturally triggered avalanches are possible. Small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are still possible.
Snowpack
Recent fresh fallen snow plus N/E winds have generated fresh snowdrift accumulations which often lie deposited atop a soft, at intermediate altitudes atop an encrusted old snowpack surface. The snowpack is throughly wet up to high altitudes but all-in-all well consolidated. At low altitudes the fresh fallen snow lies on bare ground.
Tendency
Danger of dry-snow avalanches further receding. Due to warmth and solar radiation, increasingly frequent slides and loose-snow avalanches expected.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
Snowdrift accumulations often prone to triggering, but difficult to recognize
Above the timberline avalanche danger is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrift accumulations are the major problem. Danger zones where slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole skier occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/S-facing slopes, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, and behind protruberances in the terrain. Frequency of danger zones increases with ascending altitude. Slab avalanches can grow to medium size. In addition, the fresh snow can trigger as a loose-snow avalanche in rocky or extremely steep terrain. At higher altitudes, loose-snow avalanches can reach medium size. Small glide-snow avalanches can be expected more frequently on steep grass-covered slopes. Small loose-snow slides can release naturally in steep terrain.
Snowpack
Gusty, often storm-strength winds from varying directions accompanied the recent snowfall. During the course of the day winds will shift to easterly and intensify, thereby generating new snowdrift accumulations. Often, graupel is embedded in the drifts. At intermediate altitude the fresh snow was often deposited atop wet ground bare of snow.
Tendency
Avalanche danger will gradually recede, wet snow will become the problem.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
2200m
Beware snowdrifts and persistent weak layers
Fresh snowfall and stormy northerly winds generated new snowdrift accumulations esp. in gullies and bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain which can often be triggered in the old snow and reach medium size, particularly in wind-protected zones. Even one sole skier can trigger avalanches, esp. above 2200m. Danger zones occur esp. on W/N/E-facing slopes above 2200m. Very isolated danger zones occur also on south-facing slopes above 2200m. In isolated cases, avalanches can sweep along more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack. Danger zones and likelihood of triggering will increase during the course of the day. In addition, avalanches can trigger and fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack, then grow to large size in isolated cases. Whumpf noises and glide cracks can indicate imminent danger. Due to daytime warmth and solar radiation, moist and wet avalanches are possible, esp. on steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
The newly generated snowdrifts lie deposited in all aspects above 2200m atop soft layers. On N/W/E-facing slopes, trigger-sensitive weak layers are evident. The new snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop soft layers above 2200m. At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moist. Below 1500m there is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
Activity of moist and wet-snow avalanches is increasing
Danger level
1400m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
2000m
1400m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Snowdrift deposits in gullies and bowls are prone to triggering - avalanche danger moderate!
The avalanche is above the treeline considerable. Danger spots which are formed due to fresh snowdrift are found in all expositions.They can be triggered by small additional loads as slab avalanches. Spontaneous gliding-snow avalanches from steep, smooth slopes are possible especially on southern sides. Consider glide cracks or gliding sluff as danger signs!
Snowpack
New snow and snowdrift deposits from the weekend and Monday are placed on top of an old snow cover with which it is sufficiently bonded. Soft layers within the fresh cover or in shady slopes within the bonded snowcover function as weak layers. Wetness from the ground can lead to a loss of friction of the snowcover in steep smooth slopes.
Tendency
Thursday will be sunny with clear skies. Temperatures will reach +1 degress in 2.000 m. The snowcover can settle and the avalanche danger is decreasing, some wet snow avalanches are possible.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slab
2500m
Beware snowdrift accumulations and persistent weak layers
Fresh snowfall and stormy northerly winds generated new snowdrift accumulations esp. in gullies and bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain which can often be triggered in the old snow and reach medium size, particularly in wind-protected zones. Even one sole skier can trigger avalanches, esp. above 2200m. Danger zones occur esp. on W/N/E-facing slopes above 2200m. Very isolated danger zones occur also on south-facing slopes above 2200m. In isolated cases, avalanches can sweep along more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack. Danger zones and likelihood of triggering will increase during the course of the day. In addition, avalanches can trigger and fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack, then grow to large size in isolated cases. Whumpf noises and glide cracks can indicate imminent danger. Due to daytime warmth and solar radiation, moist and wet avalanches are possible, esp. on steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
The newly generated snowdrifts lie deposited in all aspects above 2200m atop soft layers. On N/W/E-facing slopes, trigger-sensitive weak layers are evident. The new snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop soft layers above 2200m. At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moist. Below 1700m there is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
Activity of moist and wet-snow avalanches is increasing
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Wet snow
Snowdrift accumulations often prone to triggering, but difficult to recognize
Above the timberline avalanche danger is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrift accumulations are the major problem. Danger zones where slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole skier occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/S-facing slopes, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, and behind protruberances in the terrain. Frequency of danger zones increases with ascending altitude. Slab avalanches can grow to medium size. In addition, the fresh snow can trigger as a loose-snow avalanche in rocky or extremely steep terrain. At higher altitudes, loose-snow avalanches can reach medium size. Small glide-snow avalanches can be expected more frequently on steep grass-covered slopes. Small loose-snow slides can release naturally in steep terrain.
Snowpack
Gusty, often storm-strength winds from varying directions accompanied the recent snowfall. During the course of the day winds will shift to easterly and intensify, thereby generating new snowdrift accumulations. Often, graupel is embedded in the drifts. At intermediate altitude the fresh snow was often deposited atop wet ground bare of snow.
Tendency
Avalanche danger will gradually recede, wet snow will become the problem.
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.
Tendency
Little change expected
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Snowdrift deposits in gullies and bowls are prone to triggering - avalanche danger moderate!
The avalanche is above the treeline considerable. Danger spots which are formed due to fresh snowdrift are found in all expositions.They can be triggered by small additional loads as slab avalanches. Spontaneous gliding-snow avalanches from steep, smooth slopes are possible especially on southern sides. Consider glide cracks or gliding sluff as danger signs!
Snowpack
New snow and snowdrift deposits from the weekend and Monday are placed on top of an old snow cover with which it is sufficiently bonded. Soft layers within the fresh cover or in shady slopes within the bonded snowcover function as weak layers. Wetness from the ground can lead to a loss of friction of the snowcover in steep smooth slopes.
Tendency
Thursday will be sunny with clear skies. Temperatures will reach +1 degress in 2.000 m. The snowcover can settle and the avalanche danger is decreasing, some wet snow avalanches are possible.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1900m
Beware snowdrift accumulations
Fresh snowdrift accumulations esp. in gullies and bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain which can be triggered by one sole skier in the old snow. Due to solar radiation and higher daytime temperatures, moist and wet loose-snow avalanches are possible during the course of the day, esp. on steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
The newly generated snowdrifts lie deposited in all aspects above 1900m atop soft layers. On N/W/E-facing slopes, trigger-sensitive weak layers are evident. The new snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop soft layers above 2200m. At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moist. Below 1500m there is little snow on the ground.
