Windslab snow and weak old snowpack with low snow cover
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by small additional loads, but remain predominantly small. Avalanche prone locations increase rapidly above the tree line, at higher altitudes increasingly also in south-eastern aspects. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. During daytime changes, there is a low risk of small loose snow avalanches on sunny slopes. Terrain traps are less full due to lack of snow and therefore more effective.
Snowpack
The local snow surface varies greatly. There are areas with little snow next to considerable snowdrift accumulations. In windless, shady areas, there is surface hoar on the snowpack, but outgoing longwave radiation is somewhat reduced. A melt-freeze crust usually forms overnight, which softens up to high altitudes on the sunny slopes during the daytime changes. In addition, fresh wind slab begins to build up and is partially slightly soaked on the surface with sunlight, but is often also hard as a board. Where an old snowpack is present, there are faceted crystals on and under the crust at the transition to it, which can serve as a reactive weak layer. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur here. Deeper in the old snowpack there is a sequence of faceted crystals, crusts and a lot of deep rime. The total snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
As the wind dies down, the danger within the stage decreases.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1900m
Skiable terrain is prone to triggering! Wind slab lies on weak old snowpack
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 1900 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 snow packs as well as the weakly built-up old snowpack can be disturbed, whereby fractures can tear through. Avalanche prone locations increase rapidly from the tree line upwards. They are concentrated from west to north to east, in some places in the southern sector in the high Alps, and generally next to blown-off areas. Drift snow areas should be consistently avoided. Whumpfing collapsing sounds can indicate danger. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
The snow surface is very different locally. In windless, shady areas, there is surface hoar on the snowpack, but outgoing longwave radiation is reduced. There are areas with little snow next to considerable snowdrift accumulations. A melt-freeze crust usually forms overnight, which softens up to high altitudes on the sunny slopes. In addition, the wind slab begins to build up and is slightly moistened on the surface with sunlight, but is often also hard as a board. At the transition to the old snowpack, there are faceted crystals that serve as a reactive weak layer. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur here. Deeper in the old snowpack there is a sequence of faceted crystals, crusts and a lot of deep rime. Ridges and ridges are often completely blown off.
Tendency
The risk of avalanches increases slightly with light snowfall.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weak old snowpack with low snow cover
The avalanche risk is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by small additional loads, but they usually remain small. At higher altitudes, older wind slabs are still prone to triggering and avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to the ground. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated in the northern sector. They increase rapidly with altitude, especially next to blown-off areas. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. In the afternoon, there is a low risk of spontaneous loose snow avalanches in the southern sector. Terrain traps are less full due to lack of snow and therefore more effective.
Snowpack
The snow surface is very different locally. In windless, shady areas, there is surface hoar on the snowpack, but outgoing longwave radiation is somewhat reduced. There are areas with little snow next to considerable snowdrift accumulations. A melt-freeze crust usually forms overnight, which softens up to summit level on the sunny slopes during the daytime changes. In addition, fresh wind slab snow begins to build up and is partially slightly soaked on the surface with sunlight, but is often also hard as a board. Where an old snowpack is present, there are faceted crystals on and under the crust at the transition to it, which can serve as a reactive weak layer. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur here. Deeper in the old snowpack there is a sequence of faceted crystals, crusts and a lot of deep rime. The total snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
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
Where there is still snow, the snowpack is moist to wet due to mild air and sunlight, depending on the altitudes, and closes with a melt-freeze crust, which forms a steep sunny slope during the day, but otherwise often remains hard and icy. The snow base, fundament is sometimes weakened by persistent weak layers.
