The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
Amount of new snow and blown snow.
In the mountains, the last snow episode saw a significant amount of new snow. Wetter snow fell below about 1800 m, while lower down it snowed partly and rained partly. More dangerous are places where southerly winds have built up large snow drifts. In these places, we can trigger snowdrifts with a light load in particular. In shaded areas, there is a weak layer deep in the snowpack which can be a danger, especially on the axial sides. Gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The last two-day snow episode saw 70-100 cm of New fallen snow in the High alpine regions. Below about 1800 m, the snow is moist and well bonded throughout the snowpack. At higher altitudes, the snow is drier and less adhered. South winds have built up new large drifts on the leeward sides of the ridges. There is a weak layer deep below the surface in the old snow cover, which can be a problem in the high alpine regions on the axial sides.
Tendency
On Sunday, there will be more clear weather in the mountains, with a relatively high zero isotherm at around 1600 m. The danger of avalanches will increase transiently, wet snow avalanches are possible at altitudes below 1900 m. Avalanches from steep cliffs and on steep grassy slopes are also a danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1800m
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
New snow
1800m
The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
Amount of new snow and blown snow.
In the mountains, the last snow episode saw a significant amount of new snow. Wetter snow fell below about 1800 m, while lower down it snowed partly and rained partly. More dangerous are places where southerly winds have built up large snow drifts. In these places, we can trigger snowdrifts with a light load in particular. In shaded areas, there is a weak layer deep in the snowpack which can be a danger, especially on the axial sides. Gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
Around 50 cm of new fallen snow fell in the high alpine regions during the last two-day snow episode. Below about 1800 m, the snow is moist and well bonded throughout the snowpack. At higher altitudes, the snow is drier and less adhered. South winds have built up new large drifts on the leeward sides of the ridges. There is a weak layer deep below the surface in the Old snow cover, which can be a problem in the High alpine regions on the axial sides.
Tendency
On Sunday, there will be more clear weather in the mountains, with a relatively high zero isotherm at around 1600 m. The danger of avalanches will increase transiently, wet snow avalanches are possible at altitudes below 1900 m. Avalanches from steep cliffs and on steep grassy slopes are also a danger.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wind slab
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Weak old snowpack layers persist.
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. Snowdrift accumulations blanketed by fresh snow 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
A small amount of fresh snow and fresh drifts blanket older, generally somewhat stabilized snowdrift accumulations. The often lie deposited on loosely-packed snow at higher altitudes and atop a weak old snowpack surface (particularly on steep shady slopes). Avalanches triggered by winter sports enthusiasts confirm how prone to triggering the snowpack is.
Tendency
Avalanche danger will recede another notch. Weak layers in the old snow still prone to triggering
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
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
The new fallen snow was deposited on a poorly built-up old snowpack in mostly moderate winds. Due to the weather conditions, a bound layer (board) formed. On the one hand, fractures occur within the old snowpack, which often consists of a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and angular forms or deep rime. On the other hand, existing weak layers can be disturbed at the transition from new fallen snow to old snowpack. Below around 1600 metres, the snowpack is moist.
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
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Weak layers in persistent weak layers are very prone to triggering!
The avalanche risk is considerable above around 1800 metres and low below. The situation is precarious for winter sports. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered remotely in some places, especially from west to north to east. This is particularly the case on the borders with neighbouring federal states. Fractures between new and wind slab snow 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 route choice.
Snowpack
New and wind slab snow from the past few days has been partially deposited on surface hoar and a soft 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 new or drift snow and 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
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
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. 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 into 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
New and wind slab snow from the past few days has been partially deposited on surface hoar and a soft snow surface. Prone to triggering weak layers can be found in the fresh new and drift snow as well as in the old snowpack. In general, 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 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
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. The snow is moist throughout the snowpack and is already fairly well bonded to each other. Winds from the south and south-east have built up on the leeward sides of the ridges.
Tendency
On Sunday, there will be more clear weather in the mountains, with a relatively high zero isotherm at around 1600 m. The avalanche danger will increase slightly at times, with the possibility of wet snow avalanches.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
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
Below 1500 metres, the snowpack will be superficially moist. At higher altitudes, a few centimetres of new fallen snow cover a compact old snowpack. This is dominated on the surface by wind and melting snow layers. Beneath these, prone to triggering weak layers of faceted crystals can be found in places. The base of the snowpack often consists of large-grained, gritty snow. In wind-protected, shady slopes at higher altitudes, there is still well-set powder snow. South-facing slopes are only slightly covered with snow.
Tendency
The avalanche danger is slowly decreasing.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Still a highly unfavorable snowpack
Older snowdrift accumulations can still be triggered. Marked weak layers in the old snowpack can be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast, particularly on steep, little skied on slopes. The danger zones are not visible. 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
A small amount of fresh snow blankets older, generally somewhat stabilized snowdrift accumulations. The often lie deposited on loosely-packed snow or surface hoar and atop a weak old snowpack surface at higher altitudes (particularly on steep shady slopes).
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snow can still be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
New and wind slab snow on weak old snowpack
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 1800 metres and low below. The situation is precarious for winter sports. 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. The regions close to the border with fresh snow tend to be more dangerous.
Snowpack
New and wind slab snow from the past few days has been partially deposited on surface hoar. Areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations, some of which are as hard as a board and some of which are already 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
Minor amounts of fresh snow blanket small 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
A small amount of fresh snow blankets older, generally somewhat stabilized snowdrift accumulations. The often lie deposited on loosely-packed snow or surface hoar or a melt-freeze encrusted surface. On steep slopes, unfavorable ground-level and intermediate layers inside the old snowpack persist in many places.
Tendency
Unfavorable snow base and intermediate layers will persist.
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! Wind slabs and persistent weak layers are still prone to triggering
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 can be triggered as small slab avalanches by low additional loads. 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 often difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
Depending on the amount of new snow and the effect of the wind, new and wind slab snow was deposited on a soft snow surface in places and on surface hoar in sheltered locations. The wind slab in particular is still prone to triggering in higher, steeper areas. There is significantly more snow in shady gullies and bowls than on sunny slopes. In the northern and eastern exposures, the old snowpack continues to be weakened by crusts and layers with faceted crystals and floating snow; the persistent weak layer problem remains. There is still significantly less snow than average. Below around 1600 metres, the snowpack is wet.
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
Wind slabs and persistent weak layers are still prone to triggering
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. 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 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
New and wind slab snow from the past few days has been partially deposited on surface hoar and a soft snow surface. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations, some of which are as hard as a board and some of which are already built up. 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
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 Sunday, the sun will often shine over the peaks, but in the morning it will still often be cloudy and foggy below 2000 metres.
No change in the avalanche danger is expected.
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
In the night into Saturday and over the weekend, it will be changeable with sunshine, partly dense clouds and a few showers. However, there are no signs of any significant amounts of new snow.
The avalanche risk remains low.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Obstacles are difficult to recognise.
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
Below 1500 metres, the snowpack will be superficially moist. At higher altitudes, a few centimetres of new fallen snow cover a compact old snowpack. This is dominated on the surface by wind and melting snow caps. 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. In wind-protected, shady slopes at higher altitudes, there is still well-set powder snow.
Tendency
Avalanche danger remains low.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Persistent weak layer problem in the high altitudes!
The avalanche danger remains low. There are still few avalanche prone locations, mainly in the northern and on shady slopes, in steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines, in transitions from little to more snow and in steep gullies. Mostly small-scale, freshly covered, older and fresh avalanches can be found at higher elevations. In some places, slab avalanches can be triggered by just one person on steep terrain.
Snowpack
There are a few centimetres of new fallen snow. Thin melt-freeze crusts are embedded in the old snowpack and on the surface it is often soft, sometimes hard and therefore has different characteristics. There is some new fallen snow on top. The snow base, fundament still contains faceted crystals, some of which are floating snow, predominantly on the north and on shady slopes. In exposed places at higher altitudes, there is older, now covered and fresh small-scale wind slab that is prone to triggering. The snowpack is very unevenly distributed, with little snow even at higher elevations.
Tendency
No change.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
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. Due to the rain and warmth, the snowpack is superficially moistened and partly icy at higher elevations. At the highest elevations, small, fresh pillows of wind drifted snow have formed on the north and east sides. Where there is a snow base, fundament (shady areas at high altitudes), angular snow crystals are still weakening the stability of the snowpack.
Tendency
In the night into Saturday and over the weekend, it will be changeable with sunshine, partly dense clouds and a few showers. However, there are no signs of any significant amounts of new snow.
The avalanche risk remains low.
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. Above around 2000 metres, small slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in a few places in the west to north to east sector. 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. Prone to triggering weak layers can be found at the transition from wind slab to persistent weak layer. Otherwise, the surface is partly hard and icy.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
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 Sunday, the sun will often shine over the peaks, but in the morning it will still often be cloudy and foggy below 2000 metres.
The persistent weak layer problem remains.
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
Light rainfall and warming has moistened the snowpack up to around 1500 metres in all aspects. Only in the areas on shady slopes is the snowpack still dry in places, but often icy and hard. Here, edgy persistent weak layers - if present - weaken the thin snow base, fundament. The little new fallen snow usually bonds well with the old snow surface.
