The avalanche danger is considerable above 1,800 metres and moderate below that. The fresh snow that has fallen in the last few days is the main problem. Slab avalanches can be triggered on many slopes at higher altitudes even with a small additional load. Danger spots can be found in steep terrain of all exposures. Avalanches can tear through deeper layers and reach medium size. From extremely steep terrain, fresh snow can detach itself as a small or medium-sized loose snow avalanche.
On very steep, smooth meadow slopes and in patchy mountain forests, smaller sliding snow avalanches can also detach themselves.
Snowpack
The snow that has fallen in the last few days has settled somewhat, but is still susceptible to disturbance. At higher altitudes, there are widespread weak intermediate layers in the upper half metre of the snow cover. These can be detected with snow cover tests. Older accumulations of drift snow lying on soft layers are covered by loose powder snow. In areas exposed to the wind, the snow can be bound together like boards. This is the only place where breakage is to be expected over larger areas. The ground is not frozen and the base of the snowpack is often wet.
Tendency
The danger of dry slab avalanches decreases towards the weekend.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Wind slab
1800m
Wet snow
Careful on blowing snow! Above 2400 m there are weak layers in the old snow cover. On prominent slopes, snow will slicken and creep during the day.
A small additional load can trigger a small to medium avalanche, especially near ridges where there are fresh snow drifts, especially above 1800 m. At altitudes above 2400 m, a small load can trigger a small to medium avalanche of packed snow. During the day, if the weather is sunny, the snow on the slopes will become thinner and in many places will creep down. On steep grassy slopes, the whole snow cover may creep down.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
On Monday and Tuesday, more than 40 cm of snow fell above 1800 m, and up to 20 cm at lower altitudes. The snow fell on uneven ground - in some places on terrestrial ground, especially on the southern slopes on drifts of blown snow.
The north-easterly wind moved the snow above the tree line and built up drifts - especially above 1800 m, where there is more dry snow.
There are weak layers in the old snow cover above 2400 m.
Tendency
On Saturday, daytime snow softening will be less effective, as there will be some high clouds in the middle of the day. Instability will remain in snow drifts and in avalanches above 2400 m.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1500m
Gliding snow
Avoid very steep terrain.
The avalanche danger is moderate above 1500 metres and low below. The fresh snow of the last few days is the main problem. In the forest transition area, in clearings and aisles and above them, it can be triggered as a slab avalanche on individual very steep slopes due to low additional loads. Slab avalanches can reach medium size. Especially when exposed to sunlight, fresh snow from extremely steep terrain can also release itself as a small loose snow avalanche.
On very steep, smooth meadow slopes and in patchy mountain forests, small sliding snow avalanches can occasionally release themselves.
Snowpack
The snow that has fallen in the last few days has already settled considerably. Within the fresh snow, there are isolated weak intermediate layers at higher altitudes that are prone to disruption. In places, a soft layer has remained below older accumulations of drifting snow. The snow loses its firmness with the sunlight, especially on steep rocky terrain. The ground is not frozen and the base of the snowpack is often wet.
Tendency
It will get warmer at the weekend and wet snow will come to the fore at lower altitudes.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Wet snow
Careful on blowing snow! On prominent drifts, snow will slush and creep during the day.
A small additional load can trigger a small to medium avalanche, especially near ridges where there are fresh snow drifts, especially above 1800 m. During the day, in sunny weather, the snow on the slopes will loosen and in many places creep down. On steep grassy slopes, the whole snow cover may creep down.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
On Monday and Tuesday, more than 40 cm of snow fell above 1800 m, and up to 20 cm at lower altitudes. The snow fell on uneven ground - in some places on terrestrial ground, especially on the southern slopes on drifts of blown snow.
The north-easterly wind moved the snow above the tree line and built up drifts - especially above 1800 m, where there is more dry snow.
Tendency
On Saturday, daytime snow softening will be less effective, as there will be some high clouds in the middle of the day. Instability in snow drifts will remain.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Wet snow
Careful on blowing snow!
A small additional load can trigger a small to medium avalanche, especially near ridges where there are fresh snow drifts, especially above 1800 m.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
On Monday and Tuesday, more than 60 cm of snow fell above 1800 m, and up to 30 cm at lower altitudes. The snow fell on uneven ground - in some places on terrestrial ground, especially on the southern slopes on drifts of blown snow. The thin old snow cover, now hidden under the new snow, is mixed with old-growth ash. This reduces the stability of the snow cover.
The north-easterly wind has been moving snow above the forest line and building drifts - especially above 1800 m, where there is more dry snow.
Tendency
On Saturday, daytime snow softening will be less effective, as there will be some high clouds in the middle of the day. Instability in snow drifts will remain.
