The risk of avalanches is considerable above around 2000 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by low additional loads and can reach medium size. Both fresh and older drift snowpacks as well as the weakly built-up old snowpack can be disturbed, whereby fractures can tear through. Avalanche prone locations are found in north-west, north to east facing steep terrain, but also in the southern sector and generally next to blown-off areas. They increase rapidly from the tree line onwards. Isolated remote triggering is still possible, drifting snow areas should be avoided on a large scale. Whumpfing collapsing sounds can indicate danger. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
With warm temperatures, the snow cover was moistened up to around 2000 m and froze overnight to form at least a thin melt-freeze crust; in some areas it is icy next to the fresh drift snow. The transition from fresh and slightly older wind slab to old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under the crust) usually serves as a weak layer. Deeper in the persistent weak layer are further weak layers of faceted crystals and deep rime, often near crusts. Ridges and ridges are often completely blown off when the snow conditions are below average.
Tendency
As the south foehn subsides, the wind slab problem is decreasing but the persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weak old snowpack with low snow cover
The avalanche danger is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by low additional loads and can be small to medium in size. Surface-triggered avalanches can tear through to the ground. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated in north-west to north to east-facing steep terrain. They increase rapidly in size and frequency with altitude, especially next to blown-off areas. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack can indicate danger. At high altitudes, older wind slabs are sometimes still prone to triggering. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
With warm temperatures, the snow cover was moistened up to around 2000 m and froze overnight to form at least a thin melt-freeze crust; in some areas it is icy next to the fresh drift snow. The transition from fresh and older wind slab to old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under crust) usually serves as a weak layer. This consists of layers of faceted crystals, deep rime and melt-freeze crusts. The total snow depth is still well below average. The sunny slopes and the broad ridges are often completely blown off or covered in snow.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Fresh wind slab and weak old snowpack with low snow cover
The avalanche danger is moderate above 1800 m and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by small additional loads, but remain predominantly small. Avalanche prone locations increase rapidly from the tree line upwards, at higher altitudes increasingly also in south-easterly aspects. They are usually easily recognisable next to blown-off areas. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack can indicate danger. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
With warm temperatures, the snow cover was moistened up to around 2000 m and froze overnight to form at least a thin melt-freeze crust; in some areas it is icy next to the fresh drift snow, especially on the sunny slopes. The transition from fresh and older wind slab to old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under crust) usually serves as a weak layer. This consists of layers of faceted crystals, deep rime and melt-freeze crusts. The total snow depth is still well below average. The sunny slopes and the broad ridges are often completely blown off or covered in snow.
Tendency
As the wind dies down, the danger within the stage decreases.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Low risk of small, wet avalanches
The avalanche risk is low. Individual small wet avalanches can spontaneously release from very steep terrain with the sun's rays. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack is moist to wet due to rainfall, mild air and sunlight, depending on the altitudes, and closes with a crust of melt or rain ice, which can build up steeply on the sunny side and protected from the wind during the day, but otherwise remains hard and icy. Edgy persistent weak layers weaken the snow base, fundament.
