The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
Large amount of new snow, snowdrift accumulations and a weak layer in the old snow cover.
In the mountains, a significant amount of new snow has fallen over the last two days above an altitude of around 1500 m. Lower down, it has snowed partly (wetter snow) and rained partly. More dangerous are the places where south winds have built up large snow drifts. In shaded areas, there is a weak layer deep in the snowpack.
Spontaneous avalanches are still possible, possibly larger ones. Gliding avalanches are possible. In the current conditions, we advise against visiting the high alpine regions!
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The weak snowpack of previous snowfalls has received a greater amount of snow, and the new snow is poorly bonded to the old base. In the last two-day snow episode, 70-100 cm of New fallen snow fell in the high alpine regions, possibly more than one metre. South winds have built up new large drifts on the leeward sides of ridges. Deep and persistent weak layers are present in the old snow cover. The snowpack is unstable.
Tendency
Conditions will remain challenging in the days ahead.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Trigger-sensitive drifts blanket weak layers in the old snowpack.
Marked weak layers in the old snowpack can still easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast, especially above 2200m on steep, little-skied on slopes. The danger zones are not visible. Remote triggerings are possible. Fresh snowdrift accumulations occur increasingly in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanches which release can fracture to deeper layers in the old snowpack and grow to medium size. Whumpf noises and fractures when treading on the surface are alarm signals. Activities in backcountry demand careful evaluation of the terrrain and assessment of the dangers. Restraint is advised.
Snowpack
Recent stormy winds have left their mark on the snowpack surface, deposited on top of a weak old snowpack surface above the timberline, often on loose snow or surface hoar (particularly on steep shady slopes). Avalanches triggered by winter sports enthusiasts confirm how prone to triggering the snowpack is.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snow can still be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast. The likelihood of fresh drifts triggering will decrease only gradually.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1500m
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
New snow
1500m
The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
New fallen snow, blowing snow and weak layers in the snowpack in the high alpine regions
In the mountains, a significant amount of new snow has fallen over the last two days above an altitude of around 1500 m. Lower down, it has snowed partly (wetter snow) and rained partly. More dangerous are the places where south winds have built up large snow drifts. Spontaneous avalanches will occur. Gliding avalanches are possible. Current conditions in the mountains are challenging.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The weak snowpack of previous snowfalls has received a greater amount of snow, and the new snow is poorly bonded to the old base. During the last two-day snow episode, around 50 cm of new fallen snow fell in the high alpine regions, possibly more locally. South winds have built up new large drifts on the leeward sides of ridges. Deep and persistent weak layers are present in the old snow cover. The snowpack is unstable in many places.
Tendency
Conditions will remain challenging in the days ahead.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
15 to 30 cm of new fallen snow with wind on a weak old snowpack! Tricky situation for winter sports in open terrain!
15 to 30 cm of new fallen snow was deposited on a soft snow surface or surface hoar under moderate to strong winds. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered in some places. Naturally triggered avalanches and remote triggering are also possible. Fractures can tear through the poorly built-up persistent weak layer. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable and should be assessed defensively. Take particular care in the transition from a little to a lot of snow and in the blown-in entrance areas of gullies and bowls.
Snowpack
Due to 15 to 30 cm of new fallen snow and moderate to strong winds, fresh drift snow packs have formed, some of which have been deposited on surface hoar or a soft snow surface. Fractures usually occur at the transition from new fallen snow to old snowpack or within the old snowpack. Between melt-freeze crusts, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms.
Tendency
On Friday, there will be a brief intermittent high with some sunny spells. In the afternoon, it will start to get cloudy again from the west.
The avalanche danger decreases slightly.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Fresh wind slab forms snow slab on weak old snowpack
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line. The situation is precarious for winter sports enthusiasts. A soft snow surface and surface hoar have been overlaid with fresh wind slab by strong southerly foehn winds. Up to 20 cm of new and wind slab snow is once again lying on top. Medium-sized slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east, but also in a few places in the southern sector. If wind slabs are disturbed near the surface, there is a high likelihood of avalanches breaking through to deeper layers. The old snowpack is poorly built up across the board: Avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable and require a defensive route choice. In particular, be careful near transitions from a little to a lot of snow and in the entrance areas to steep gullies. Remote triggering is possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
Up to 30 cm of new fallen snow, most of which has been transported, lies on a wind-treated snow surface. Areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations, some of which are as hard as a board and some of which are already being built up. Breaks usually occur between the fresh and slightly older layers of drift snow or near the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. Under this crust, the old snowpack consists mainly of deep rime and angular forms, which are interspersed with other crusts in areas with more snow. Snow from early winter can sometimes be found on the ground in the form of a hardness melt-freeze crust.
Tendency
The wind slab problem is slowly improving, but the persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer problem in northern and eastern sectors, covered by fresh wind slab!
The avalanche risk is assessed as moderate above the tree line and low below. There is still a persistent weak layer problem in the northern and eastern exposures. In addition, fresh pillows of wind drifted snow could form, which can be triggered as a small slab avalanche with a small additional load. Medium-sized slab avalanches are also possible when breaking through the weak old snowpack. 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. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes difficult to recognise due to a few centimetres of new fallen snow.
Snowpack
The total snow depth is well below average. A few centimetres of new fallen snow and strong winds have created fresh pillows of wind drifted snow, some of which have been deposited on surface hoar or a soft snow surface. These cover a very variable and mostly hardness old snowpack. There is significantly more snow in shady gullies and bowls than on sunny slopes. In the northern and eastern exposures, the snowpack is still weakened by layers with faceted crystals and floating snow (persistent weak layer problem!).
Tendency
On Friday, there will be a brief intermittent high with some sunny spells. In the afternoon, it will start to get cloudy again from the west.
No change in the avalanche danger is expected.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Take care when entering gullies and bowls!
The avalanche risk is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. The main problem is wind slab. Slab avalanches can be triggered sporadically with little additional load. Avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines in steep terrain with aspects from northwest to north to east as well as at the entrance to gullies and bowls. They increase in number and size with altitude. Avalanches can become medium-sized - when they tear through deeper weak layers in the persistent weak layer.
Snowpack
With mild temperatures, the snowpack is increasingly settling. Older and fresh wind slabs lie on soft layers and surface hoar in places. The old snowpack often consists of faceted crystals and is partly interspersed with melt-freeze crusts. There is only a little snow on the sunny slopes
Tendency
With foehn storms, prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations continue to grow, especially at high altitudes.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Fresh, prone to triggering wind slab snow on a weak old snowpack
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. A soft snow surface and surface hoar have been overlaid with fresh wind slabs from the south foehn. Heat input leads to a better formed snow slab. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east, but also in a few places in the southern sector. Fractures in the fresh wind slab can tear through the persistent weak layer and tend to propagate. Avalanche prone locations in the persistent weak layer are barely recognisable and require a defensive choice of route. Take particular care near transitions from a little to a lot of snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies.
Snowpack
A few centimetres of new fallen snow, most of which has been transported, lies on the wind-treated snow surface. Areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations, some of which are as hard as a board and some of which are already being transformed. Breaks usually occur close to the crust, which forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. Under this crust, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms, which are interspersed with further crusts in areas with more snow. The overall snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
The wind slab problem is slowly improving, but the persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Fresh wind slab forms snow slab on weak old snowpack! Tricky situation for winter sports in open terrain!
With new fallen snow and strong winds, fresh drift snow packs are deposited on a soft snow surface or surface hoar, especially in western, northern and eastern aspects. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered in some places. Fractures in the fresh wind slab can tear through into the poorly built-up persistent weak layer. In northern and eastern aspects, remote triggering is also possible in the persistent weak layer. The avalanche prone locations in the persistent weak layer are barely recognisable and should be assessed defensively. Caution should be exercised in particular in the transition from a little to a lot of snow and in the blown-in entrance areas of gullies and bowls.
Snowpack
The snowpack is highly variable and areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. Due to 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow and moderate to strong winds, fresh drift snow packs have formed, some of which have been deposited on surface hoar or a soft snow surface. Fractures usually occur near the crust, which forms the transition to the mostly angular old snowpack. Under this crust, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms, which are interspersed with further crusts in areas with more snow.
Tendency
On Friday, there will be a brief intermittent high with some sunny spells. In the afternoon, it will start to get cloudy again from the west.
No change in the avalanche danger is expected.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1500m
Wind slab
1500m
Wet snow
1500m
Increased amount of new snow in the highest parts of the mid-mountains, snowdrift accumulations
More new fallen snow and snowdrift accumulations in the highest parts of the Central Mountains
In the mountains, a significant amount of new snow has fallen over the last two days above an altitude of around 1500 m. Lower down, it has snowed partly (wetter snow) and rained partly. Winds from the south and south-east have built up snow drifts on the leeward sides, which can be a danger.
Snowpack
The old snow cover, which was mostly sparse, received 50-60 cm of New fallen snow above an altitude of around 1500 m, and more locally, especially in the south of the country. Winds from the south and south-east have built up drifts on the leeward sides of ridges.
Tendency
The situation in the coming days will remain similar.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Fresh, prone to triggering wind slab snow on a weak old snowpack
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 1800 metres and low below. The situation is tricky for winter sports enthusiasts. A soft snow surface and surface hoar have been overlaid by strong southerly foehn with fresh wind slab. Up to 20 cm of new and wind slab snow is once again lying on top. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east, but also in a few places in the southern sector. Fractures in the fresh wind slab can tear through the persistent weak layer and tend to propagate. Avalanche prone locations in the persistent weak layer are barely recognisable and should be assessed defensively. Take particular care next to blown-off areas and neighbouring regions rated as "considerable".
Snowpack
Up to 30 cm of new fallen snow, most of which has been transported, lies on the wind-treated snow surface. Areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations, some of which are as hard as a board and some of which are already being built up. Breaks usually occur between the fresh and slightly older layers of drift snow or near the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. Under this crust, the old snowpack consists mainly of deep rime and angular forms, which are interspersed with other crusts in areas with more snow. On the ground, snow from early winter can sometimes be found in the form of a hardness melt-freeze crust.
Tendency
The wind slab problem is slowly improving, but the persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
Circumvent fresh snowdrift accumulations!
A single winter sports enthusiast can trigger small slab avalanches in some places, particularly in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. If releases then sweep away deeper weak layers of the snowpack, the avalanche can in isolated cases grow to medium size. Danger zones are impossible to spot. Whumpf noises and fractures forming on the surface are alarm signals.
Snowpack
Recent storm-strength winds generated trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations which have been able to settle somewhat due to higher temperatures. They lie deposited atop loose snow or surface hoar in many places, or else atop a melt-freeze encrusted old snowpack surface. Particularly on steep shady slopes, the unfavorable snow base and intermediate layers of the snowpack have often persisted.
Tendency
The likelihood of fresh drifts triggering will decrease only gradually. Unfavorable snow base and intermediate layers will persist.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations blanket a weak old snowpack
Marked weak layers in the old snowpack can still easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast, especially on steep, little-skied slopes. The danger zones are not visible. Remote triggerings are possible. Fresh snowdrift accumulations occur increasingly in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanches which release can fracture to deeper layers in the old snowpack and grow to medium size. Whumpf noises and fractures when treading on the surface are alarm signals. Activities in backcountry demand careful evaluation of the terrrain and assessment of the dangers.
Snowpack
Recent stormy winds generated trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations, deposited on top of a weak old snowpack surface above the timberline, often on loose snow or surface hoar (particularly on steep shady slopes). Reports characterize the persistent weak layer problem as less marked in Lechquellgebirge than in the southern regions of Verwall, Silvretta and Rätikon.
Tendency
The likelihood of fresh drifts triggering will decrease only gradually. Weak layers in the old snow can still be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast.
Danger level
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 at high altitudes, old and fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered as small slab avalanches in steep and shady gullies and bowls. Due to icy surfaces, the risk of falling is greater than the avalanche risk in many places.
Snowpack
There is still significantly less snow than average. Rain has moistened the surface of the snowpack. At the highest elevations, small, fresh pillows of wind drifted snow have formed, especially on the north side. Where there is a snow base, fundament (shady areas at high altitudes), angular snow crystals are still weakening the stability of the snowpack.
Tendency
On Friday, the sun will shine temporarily on the mountains, but in the afternoon it will become overcast again from the west.
The avalanche risk remains low.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger, very little snow.
The avalanche risk is low. Occasional small, spontaneous wet snow slides can occur. There is a risk of falling on icy sections.
Snowpack
There is still significantly less snow than average. The thin snowpack is mostly wet or icy.
Tendency
On Friday, the sun will shine temporarily on the mountains, but in the afternoon it will become overcast again from the west.
The avalanche risk remains low.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
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 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 addition, the strong to stormy southerly winds have created fresh pillows of wind drifted snow. In steep terrain, these can be triggered in a few places. However, the avalanches remain small even if they tear through to the old snowpack. In general, the risk of entrainment, 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
On Friday, there will be a brief intermittent high with some sunny spells. In the afternoon, it will become cloudy again from the west. Some new fallen snow is expected in the north-west in the night to Saturday.
No change in the avalanche risk is expected on Friday.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Low avalanche danger with mostly little snow.
The avalanche risk is low. In a few places, especially in locations above the tree line, snowdrift accumulations can be triggered as small slab avalanches in steep gullies and bowls. Avalanche prone locations and icy areas can be covered with a thin layer of fresh snow. Small, wet slides cannot be ruled out at altitudes below 1500 metres.
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
On Friday, there will be a brief intermittent high with some sunny spells. In the afternoon, it will start to get cloudy again from the west.
No change in the avalanche danger is expected.
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 small pillows of wind drifted snow. Otherwise, the danger of injury from stones and falling on icy surfaces outweighs the risk of burial.
Snowpack
The snow surface is slightly soaked on the sunny slopes and is often hard and icy on shady slopes. Edged persistent weak layers weaken the thin snow base, fundament if present.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
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 difficult to recognise. The risk of falling and injury generally outweighs the risk of burial.
Snowpack
On shady slopes in particular, small snowdrift accumulations overlay a weak old snowpack, which now consists mainly of faceted crystals or deep rime. Otherwise, the surface is partly hard and icy, but the outgoing longwave radiation is reduced from Wednesday to Thursday.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Occasional layers in persistent weak layers are prone to triggering
The avalanche risk is low. Occasional small slab avalanches can be triggered, in particular with large additional loads. Avalanche prone locations are located above around 1600 m on extremely steep shady slopes. The risk of falling and injury is greater than the danger of burial.
Snowpack
At higher elevations, there are a few centimetres of moist new fallen snow on an old snowpack that has often crusted can form. Smaller drift snow packs are now compact and largely stable. The snowpack base often consists of angular, gritty snow. Fracture propagation over larger areas is not to be expected with the overall low-stress and low-thickness snowpack.
