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 continue to be possible. 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.
Snowpack
Bonding of the most recent fresh snowfall and freshly generated snowdrifts to the often faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface, as well as inside the unfavorably structured layers of the old snow, continues to be moderate-to-poor in places. In addition, layers inside the latest fresh snow and drifted snow are often still prone to triggering. Settling noises and fractures on the snowpack surface confirm this trigger-sensitivity.
Tendency
No significant change is anticipated. The old snow remains prone to triggering at high altitudes.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Moderate avalanche danger at higher altitudes
Older and small-sized freshly generated snowdrift accumulations are often still prone to triggering at high altitudes. Winter sports enthusiasts can trigger small-to-medium sized slab avalanches in wind-loaded zones, particularly on steep W-E-SE facing slopes and in gullies and bowls. At lower altitudes, wet snowslides and small avalanches will be possible.
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, and inside the unfavorably structured layers of the old snow, 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 surface is frequently melt-freeze encrusted. At low altitudes there is little snow on the ground.
