Particularly in higher-altitude ridgeline and pass zones, as well as behind drops in the terrain, fresh snowdrift accumulations are extremely prone to triggering. One single winter sports enthusiast can trigger slab avalanches. Releases in the old snow are especially possible by large additional loading. If releases sweep away the entire snowpack, avalanches can grow to medium size. Danger zones occur particularly on steep shady slopes, but also in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Whumpf noises and fractures in the surface are alarm signals. Activities in backcountry demand careful evaluation of the terrain and the dangers.
Snowpack
The latest bout of fresh snow was intermittently transported by strong-velocity winds. Particularly in ridgeline and pass zones, freshly generated small-to-medium sized snowdrift accumulations occur. Especially where they are desposited on top of surface hoar or loose old snowpack layers, the bonding is poor. Small naturally triggered releases and fractures observed by others confirm the snowpack’s proneness to triggering. The old snowpack is overall unfavorably structured. Especially on steep shady slopes the weak intermediate layers and weak fundament have persisted.
Tendency
Fresh snowfall and fresh snowdrifts will lead to slightly increased danger levels within the same Danger Level. The old snowpack continues to be weak.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Main danger: weak old snowpack layers. Fresh snowdrifts require caution.
Particularly in high-altitude ridgeline and pass areas, as well as behind drops in the terrain, fresh snowdrift accumulations are easy to trigger. It is possible to trigger slab avalanches in the old snow particularly by large additional loading. If a release sweeps away the entire snowpack the avalanche can grow to medium size. Danger zones are located especially on steep shady slopes, but also in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Whumpf noises and fractures on the surface are alarm signals. Activities in outlying terrain away from secured ski runs require experience in evaluating the terrain and assessment of avalanche dangers.
Snowpack
The most recent fresh snow was intermittently transported by strong-velocity winds. Particularly in ridgeline and pass areas, fresh, usually small drifted masses occur. Especially where fresh snow and drifts are deposited on top of surface hoar or on loosely-packed old snowpack layers, the bonding is moderate-to-poor. Small releases and fractures on the surface confirm the proneness to triggering of the snowpack. The old snowpack is overall unfavorably structured. Particularly on steep, shady slopes, weak intermediate layers persist inside the snow cover.
Tendency
At high altitudes, the unfavorably structured snowpack is the main danger. Avalanche danger will increase on Thursday due to fresh snow and winds.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Slightly rising danger above the timberline due to snowdrifts
Fresh snowdrift accumulations in ridgeline terrain and behind protruberances in the landscape can easily be disturbed. Other isolated danger zones are located in extremely steep, predominantly shady terrain. In isolated cases, small avalanches can be triggered in these places in the old snow. Such danger zones are located particularly in transitions from shallow to deep snow, for example, at entry points into gullies and bowls. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall also require caution.
Snowpack
The most recent fresh snow and small-to-medium sized fresh snowdrift accumulations have been deposited on top of a generally well consolidated, predominantly melt-freeze encrusted old snowpack surface. In some places, surface hoar was blanketed by it. Particularly on steep shady slopes, weak layers in the old snow still persist in places. Overall there is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
Avalanche danger will increase on Thursday due to fresh snow and winds
Danger level
Little snow on the ground, low avalanche danger
Avalanche danger is low. Isolated avalanche releases are possible in extremely steep terrain, but the avalanches are small-sized. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall also require caution.
Snowpack
There is little snow on the ground. Particularly on steep, shaday slopes, weak intermediate layers often occur inside the old snowpack. South-facing slopes continue to become bare of snow.
Tendency
Avalanche danger could increase slightly on Thursday due to fresh snow and winds.
Danger level
Little snow on the ground, low avalanche danger
Avalanche danger is low. Isolated avalanche releases are possible in extremely steep terrain, but the avalanches are small-sized. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall also require caution.
Snowpack
There is little snow on the ground. Particularly on steep, shaday slopes, weak intermediate layers often occur inside the old snowpack. South-facing slopes continue to become bare of snow.
Tendency
Avalanche danger could increase slightly on Thursday due to fresh snow and winds.
