One single person can trigger slab avalanches in the old snow. If the fracture sweeps away the entire snowpack, the release can grow to medium size. Danger zones occur especially on steep shady slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Whumpf noises and fractures on the snowpack surface are alarm signals. Also remote triggerings cannot be ruled out. In addition, small-sized fresh snowdrifts require special caution in high altitude ridgeline terrain and pass zones. Activities in backcountry demand experience in evaluating the terrain and assessing dangers. In zones with rain impact, increasingly frequent wet snowslides and avalanches are possible. Also gliding snow activity is increasing again.
Snowpack
The fresh fallen snow and drifts from the most recent period of precipitation have settled further as a result of higher temperatures. Bonding to the often loosely-packed, faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface, often with surface hoar, continues to be moderate-to-poor in places. In addition, layers inside the recent fresh snow and drifts are often still prone to triggering. Up to intermediate altitudes the snowpack has been weakened in places by rain impact.
Tendency
Avalanche danger receding only slowly at high altitudes
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
New snow
1800m
Considerable avalanche danger at higher altitudes
Avalanche danger is considerable above 1800m, moderate below that altitude. The main problem is the drifted snow. One single winter sports enthusiast can trigger small-to-medium sized slab avalanches in wind-loaded zones, particularly on steep NW-E-SE facing slopes and in gullies and bowls. In zones with rain impact, increasingly frequent wet snowslides and avalanches will be possible during the course of the day. Also gliding snow activity is increasing again.
Snowpack
The fresh fallen snow and drifts from the most recent period of precipitation have settled further as a result of higher temperatures. Bonding to the often loosely-packed, faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface, often with surface hoar, continues to be moderate-to-poor in places. In addition, layers inside the recent fresh snow and drifts are often still prone to triggering. Up to intermediate altitudes the snowpack has been weakened in places by rain impact.
