Weak old snow is sometimes easily disturbed by winter sports enthusiasts!
The avalanche danger is considerable above 2400 m and moderate below. Above around 2400 m, slab avalanches can be triggered in places by individual winter sports enthusiasts and can be of medium size. The danger spots for this are on very steep western, northern and eastern slopes, especially at the transitions from little to much snow as well as behind terrain edges and near ridges. Small to medium-sized, spontaneous sliding snow avalanches can still be expected from very steep, not yet unloaded grass mat terrain. During the course of the day, small, moist loose snow slides are still possible from sunny rock and scree terrain.
Snowpack
A warm front has partially moistened the snow cover up to 3000 metres, at least on the surface; below around 2000 metres, the remaining snow cover is often damp or wet right down to the ground. In the morning, the snow cover is mostly hard and hardened on the surface, and it softens again during the day, especially on the sunny side. Above around 2400 metres, there is bound snow (due to
(caused by rain or drift snow) on a layer of old snow with soft layers of angular crystals, which are prone to disruption. These weak layers are found in particular on the western, northern and eastern slopes.
Tendency
Slow decline in avalanche danger, weak layers in old snow remain susceptible to disruption.
Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2400m
Gliding snow
2400m
Weak old snow and sliding snow are the main dangers.
The avalanche danger is moderate above 2400 metres and low below. Above around 2400 m, slab avalanches can be triggered in places by individual winter sports enthusiasts. The avalanches usually remain small, but can occasionally become medium-sized if they break through into deeper layers. Danger spots for this are located on very steep western, northern and eastern slopes, especially at the transitions from little to much snow as well as behind terrain edges and near ridges. Small, spontaneous sliding snow avalanches can still be expected from very steep, not yet unloaded grass mat terrain. During the course of the day, small, moist loose snow slides are still possible from sunny rock and scree terrain.
Snowpack
A warm front has partially moistened the snow cover at least on the surface up to summit level; below around 2000 metres, the remaining snow cover is often damp or wet right down to the ground. In the morning, the snow cover is usually hard and hardened on the surface, and it softens again during the day, especially on the sunny side. Above around 2400 metres, there is bound snow (due to
(caused by rain or drift snow) on a layer of old snow with soft layers of angular crystals, which are prone to disruption. These weak layers are found in particular on the western, northern and eastern slopes.
Tendency
Slow decline in avalanche danger, weak layers in old snow remain susceptible to disruption.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Wet snow
Little snow, low avalanche danger.
The avalanche danger is low. Small, spontaneous sliding snow avalanches are still to be expected from very steep, as yet undischarged grass mat terrain. Small, damp loose snow slides are still possible from sunny rocky and craggy terrain during the course of the day.
Snowpack
There is often little snow and the lower elevations are becoming increasingly thin. The existing snow cover has been moistened by the rain right up to the summit regions. In the morning hours, the snow surface is partly hard and hardened, during the day it softens again. The entire snow cover can slide off on slippery ground. In the shaded summit areas, there are still isolated weak layers of angular crystals in the snowpack.
Tendency
Little change, the avalanche danger remains low. Isolated small sliding snow avalanches are still possible.
