Caution: marked weak layers in old snow: activities in backcountry demand cautious evaluation of the terrain and the dangers, as well as restraint. Avalanches which release can fracture to deeper layers in the old snowpack and grow to medium size. Such danger zones occur especially on steep shady slopes and are impossible to spot. Also remote triggerings are possible. Whumpf noises and fractures when treading on the surface are alarm signals. On sunny slopes, generally small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally during the course of the day. In addition, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations will be generated during the day in foehn-exposed regions.
Snowpack
Older snowdrift accumulations from last week often lie deposited atop loose old snow at high altitudes, and a weak old snowpack, particularly on steep shady slopes. The snowdrift accumulations are often blanketed, making them impossible to recognize. Avalanches triggered by winter sports enthusiasts and fractures on the surface confirm how prone to triggering the snowpack is. During recent nights, surface hoar has formed in many places. The melt-freeze crust which has formed at lower altitudes softens up on sunny slopes during the daytime hours.
Tendency
As a result of strong-to-stormy SW winds, avalanche danger will increase again at high altitudes.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
The old snowpack is generally poorly constructed and requires defensive behaviour
The avalanche risk increases rapidly with altitude and is considerable above around 2000 metres and low below. In some places, slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals and can be of medium size. Take care in transitions from a little to a lot of snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies as well as behind terrain edges, where prone-to-triggering snow packs are located. These continue to grow from late afternoon onwards. They are partly covered in snow and therefore difficult to recognise. Avalanches that are triggered near the surface in fresh wind slabs can tear through to deeper weak layers. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. Remote triggering is possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
The snowpack is highly variable and areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. In general, 10-20 cm of fresh new and drift snow lies on top of older, mostly hardness wind slabs, which are in the initial stages of kinetic metamorphism. Below this, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms interspersed with crusts. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur around the uppermost crust, but can also entrain deeper layers. During the night, melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar form, while during the day the snowpack is slightly soaked on the sunny slopes. The snow depth is well below average at all altitudes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger increases with the Föhn storm on Tuesday.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
In high alpine regions, weak layers in the snowpack, blowing snow
The new fallen snow has put additional stress on the weak layers in the old snow cover. Places with blown snow and shady areas where there is a weak layer deep in the snowpack are more dangerous. In particular, at low loads, medium-sized avalanches of packed snow will be possible. In the mid-mountains, the new fallen snow has already transformed somewhat and adhered better to the ground.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
The weak snowpack has been followed by more snow in the last week or so. The new fallen snow has adhered slightly better to the ground in the central mountains, where rain or wet snow has fallen in between. On sunny slopes, a crust has formed in some places and some dry and light snow has fallen on it. The danger of avalanches is higher, especially in the shaded areas of the high alpine regions and in places where wind has built up drifts. Deep and persistent weak layers are present in the old snow cover. The snowpack is unstable in many places.
Tendency
On Tuesday, it will become cloudy again. Moderate precipitation will begin to fall. The snowfall level will rise, with snow in the afternoon at altitudes between 1000 and 1600 m, lower in the eastern Julian Mountains. A strong south-westerly wind will blow, carrying large amounts of snow. The danger of avalanches will increase.
EARLIER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
LATER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Avoid fresh wind slab!
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line in the morning and increases to considerable from midday onwards. Below the tree line, the avalanche risk is low. The main problem is fresh wind slab that forms in the afternoon. Small to medium slab avalanches can then be triggered in many places by even a small additional load. Avalanche prone locations are in the steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines in the north-west, north to south-east aspects as well as in gullies and bowls. They increase in number and size with altitude.
Persistent weak layers are problematic throughout the day. Slab avalanches can occasionally be triggered in transition areas from little to much snow on very steep shady slopes with large additional loads. They reach medium size.
Snowpack
With south-westerly winds, fresh snowdrift accumulations develop at altitude. In many places, they come to rest prone to triggering on surface hoar and soft layers. The old snowpack consists of large, angular and rounded crystals and is partly interspersed with melt-freeze crusts. On the sunny slopes, there is little or no snow at all at medium altitudes.
Tendency
With foehn storms, prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations continue to grow, especially at high altitudes.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Persistent weak layer problem! Take particular care in gullies and bowls in northern and eastern exposures!
The avalanche risk is assessed as moderate above the tree line and low below. The snow layering is still very weak, especially in the northern and eastern sectors. Here, avalanches can be triggered by even small additional loads and can reach medium size when breaking through the weak old snowpack. In some cases, there is a thin, bound layer from the last snowfall. The danger areas are mainly located in the transition from little to more snow as well as behind terrain edges and in the entrance area of gullies and bowls. Some of the avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
The total snow depth is well below average. A thin, partly bound snowpack covers a very variable and mostly hard old snowpack. There is significantly more snow in shady gullies and bowls than on sunny slopes, which are partly bare up to 2000 metres. In the northern and eastern exposures, the snowpack is still weakened by layers with faceted crystals and floating snow (persistent weak layer problem!).
Tendency
No change in the avalanche risk is expected.
On Tuesday, the wind will be temporarily lively, even strong in exposed high areas. Apart from that, the programme will start with sunny leisure weather, with the first extensive cloud fields arriving in the afternoon. In the evening it will become cloudy from the south, with rain and snowfall becoming more frequent during the night into Wednesday and on Wednesday itself, with the snowfall level expected to be around 1300 metres from today's perspective.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Caution: weak old snowpack layers at higher altitudes
A single winter sports enthusiast can trigger small slab avalanches in some places. If releases then sweep away deeper weak layers of the snowpack, the avalanche can in isolated cases grow to medium size. Danger zones are difficult to spot, they occur 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 require caution. On sunny slopes, generally small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally during the course of the day.
Snowpack
Older snowdrift accumulations from last week often lie deposited atop loose old snow at high altitudes, and a weak old snowpack, particularly on steep shady slopes. The snowdrift accumulations are often blanketed, making them impossible to recognize. Avalanches triggered by winter sports enthusiasts and fractures on the surface confirm how prone to triggering the snowpack is. During recent nights, surface hoar has formed in many places. The melt-freeze crust which has formed at lower altitudes softens up on sunny slopes during the daytime hours.
Tendency
As a result of strong-to-stormy SW winds, avalanche danger will increase again at high altitudes.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
The old snowpack is generally poorly constructed and requires defensive behaviour
The avalanche risk increases rapidly with altitude and is moderate above around 2000 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can only be triggered by individuals in a few places but can reach medium size if they tear through the old snowpack. Some avalanche prone locations are covered in snow and difficult to recognise. Take particular care in the north to east aspects, especially in the snow-covered entrance areas to steep gullies and bowls, behind terrain edges and at the transition from little to more snow. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. In addition to the risk of burial, the risk of being swept away and falling should also be taken into account.
Snowpack
The snowpack is highly variable and areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. Some of these are covered by a few centimetres of settled new fallen snow. Older snowdrift accumulations have been transformed in places and are soft and in places hard as a board. Underneath, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms interspersed with crusts. Breaks in the persistent weak layer usually occur around the uppermost crust. During the night, melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar form, while during the day the snowpack is slightly soaked on the sunny slopes. The total snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
The avalanche danger increases slightly with the foehn storm on Tuesday.
EARLIER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
LATER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Avoid fresh wind slab!
The avalanche risk is low and increases to moderate from midday as the wind picks up above the tree line. Fresh wind slab becomes problematic during the daytime changes. Small slab avalanches can then be triggered in some places by even a small additional load. Avalanche prone locations are in the steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines in the north-west, north to south-east aspects as well as in gullies and bowls. The risk of falling and injury is greater than the danger of burial.
Persistent weak layers are problematic all day long. Small slab avalanches can occasionally be triggered on very steep shady slopes with large additional loads.
Snowpack
With south-westerly winds, small, fresh snowdrift accumulations develop at altitude. They come to rest prone to triggering on surface hoar and soft layers. The old snowpack consists of large, angular and rounded crystals and is partly interspersed with melt-freeze crusts. There is little or no snow up to high altitudes on the sunny slopes.
Tendency
With foehn storms, prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations continue to grow, especially at high altitudes.
Danger level
1400m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1400m
Isolated danger zones in extremely steep shady terrain
Avalanche danger is low. Isolated avalanche prone locations occur on extremely steep shady slopes. The risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall require caution.
Snowpack
Particularly on steep shady slopes, unfavorable intermediate layers inside the old snowpack have often persisted. During recent nights, surface hoar has often been generated. The melt-freeze crust which formed overnight will soften up on sunny slopes during daytime hours. At lower altitudes there is little snow on the ground. South-facing slopes are increasingly becoming bare of snow.
Tendency
No significant change anticipated
Danger level
Low avalanche danger with mostly little snow.
The avalanche risk is low. In extremely steep gullies or bowls on shady slopes, the triggering of small slab avalanches cannot be completely ruled out.
Snowpack
There is still significantly less snow than average. A thin, partly bound snowpack covers a very variable and mostly hard old snowpack. In shady gullies and bowls, the connection between the bound snowpack and the old snowpack is sometimes poor. In addition, angular shapes can weaken the snow base, fundament.
Tendency
No change in the avalanche risk is expected.
On Tuesday, the wind will be temporarily lively, even strong in exposed high areas. Apart from that, the programme will start out with sunny leisure weather, with the first extensive cloud fields arriving in the afternoon. In the evening it will become cloudy from the south, with rain and snowfall becoming more frequent during the night into Wednesday and on Wednesday itself, with the snowfall level expected to be around 1300 metres from today's perspective.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Usually too little snow for ski tours off the secured pistes.
The avalanche risk is low. Persistent weak layers are problematic. Occasionally small slab avalanches with large additional loads can be triggered. Avalanche prone locations are on very steep slopes in the northern and eastern aspects. The risk of falling and injury is greater than the danger of burial.
Snowpack
The snow surface is still dry in shady areas, otherwise it often crusts can form. The melt-freeze crust softens again in the sun. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals and is partly interspersed with melt-freeze crusts. There is little to no snow on the sunny slopes.
Tendency
Avalanche danger remains low.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger - only isolated avalanche prone locations
The avalanche risk is low. Occasionally, small slab avalanches can be triggered, especially in extremely steep and shady gullies and bowls. Avalanche prone locations as well as icy areas are often covered by some new fallen snow. Beware of persistent danger of falling!
Snowpack
There is still significantly less snow than average. A thin layer of fresh snow, only wind-blown in places, is covering the existing hard old snowpack or pale areas. Angular shapes can weaken the snow base, fundament.
Tendency
Often friendly mountain weather, no significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1500m
Low avalanche danger, but watch out for older wind slabs in the north and east aspects!
The avalanche risk is low. In a few places, pillows of wind drifted snow can be triggered as small slab avalanches, especially in extremely steep and shady gullies and bowls. Avalanche prone locations as well as icy areas are often covered by some new fallen snow. Beware of persistent danger of falling!
Snowpack
There is still significantly less snow than average. Surface hoar could form in places. The connection between small, older snowdrift accumulations and the old snowpack is poor in places. In addition, angular shapes can weaken the snow base, fundament.
Tendency
Often friendly mountain weather, no significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Small drift snow accumulations on weak old snowpack
The avalanche risk is low. In the extended northern and eastern exposures above around 2200 m, small slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in a few places. Danger areas are located at the transition from little to more snow and generally next to blown-off areas. Some of the avalanche prone locations are thinly covered with snow and difficult to recognise. The risk of falling and injury generally outweighs the risk of burial.
Snowpack
A few centimetres of settled new fallen snow cover previously bare ground or a hard, sometimes icy surface of old snow. On shady slopes in particular, small snowdrift accumulations usually overlay a weak old snowpack consisting of an alternation of crusts and faceted crystals or deep rime. During the night, melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar form, while during the day the snowpack is soaked on the sunny slopes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger increases slightly with foehn storms.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Persistent weak layer problem in the high altitudes!
The avalanche risk is low. There are still avalanche prone locations due to the constant problem of old snow, especially in the high areas on the north and shady slopes. In places, slab avalanches can be triggered by just one person in steep terrain. Avalanche prone locations are mainly adjacent to ridgelines and behind terrain edges. These are somewhat covered and therefore difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
The snow base, fundament contains faceted crystals without bonds, which are mainly transformed on the north and on shady slopes. The old snowpack, weakened as a result, is often hard on the surface and covered by a thin settled layer. Only in very exposed areas could there be some older wind slab on a small scale. In general, there is little snow, which is very unevenly distributed.
Tendency
No significant change.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Low avalanche danger, but persistent weak layer problems in the northern and eastern exposures!
The avalanche risk is low. In the northern and eastern exposures, there is still a persistent weak layer problem at altitudes above the tree line. In steep terrain, small slab avalanches can be triggered in a few places by individual winter sports enthusiasts. Avalanche prone locations are mainly at the entrance to on shady slopes and bowls as well as behind terrain edges. In general, the risk of being swept away, falling and injury outweighs the risk of burial. However, be careful in the area of terrain traps.
Snowpack
There is still significantly less snow than average. A thin, partly bound snowpack covers a very variable and mostly hard old snowpack. There is significantly more snow in shady gullies and bowls than on sunny slopes, some of which are partly bare up to 2000 metres. In the northern and eastern exposures, the snowpack is still weakened by layers with faceted crystals and floating snow (persistent weak layer problem!).
Tendency
No change in the avalanche risk is expected.
On Tuesday, the wind will be temporarily lively, even strong in exposed high areas. Apart from that, the programme will start with sunny leisure weather, with the first extensive cloud fields arriving in the afternoon. In the evening it will become cloudy from the south, with rain and snowfall becoming more frequent during the night into Wednesday and on Wednesday itself, with the snowfall level expected to be around 1300 metres from today's perspective.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger and lack of snow
The avalanche risk is low. There is very little snow, only in the entrance areas to steep, on shady slopes can there be pillows of wind drifted snow. Otherwise, the danger of injury from stones and falling on icy surfaces outweighs the risk of burial.
Snowpack
On shady slopes and flat ground, traces of settled new fallen snow or thin wind slabs cover the previously apery meadows or icy old snow surface. Edged persistent weak layers weaken the thin snow base, fundament if present. Thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar form during the night; during the day, the surface of the snowpack is moistened on the sunny slopes.
