The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
New fallen snow in the high alpine regions; wet snow avalanches in clearer weather.
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.
In the mountains, there will be more clear weather, with a relatively high zero isotherm at around 1600 m. At altitudes below about 1800 m, the danger of wet snow avalanches will increase during the day on the Sunny slopes. Danger also exists from steep cliffs and on steep grassy slopes, 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 has seen a lot of New fallen snow in the high alpine regions, with up to 10 cm of New fallen snow expected by morning. Below about 1800 m, the snow is moist and well bonded throughout the snowpack. Higher up, the snow is drier. 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 high alpine regions on the axial sides.
Tendency
The snowpack in the high alpine regions is only slowly transforming, while in the mid-mountains it is transforming faster. Mostly cloudy weather with occasional showers will continue early next week.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
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. Older small 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. Due to daytime warming and solar radiation, isolated loose-snow avalanches can be expected in very steep terrain.
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 or surface hoar at higher altitudes and atop a weak old snowpack surface (particularly on steep shady slopes). On sunny slopes and generally at lower altitudes the snowpack surface generated a melt-freeze crust during the nighttime hours.
Tendency
As a result of mild temperatures with only light winds, snowdrift accumulations increasingly stabilizing. However, weak layers persist in the snowpack, remain prone to triggering.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Weak layers in persistent weak layers are 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 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. Remote triggering is also possible in isolated cases. 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. On sunny slopes, small loose snow slides can spontaneously detach from very steep slopes during the daytime changes.
Snowpack
A bound snow slab of former new or drift snow overlays soft layers (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard wind slabs. The snow surface is at least moistened up to around 1500 metres, even higher on sunny slopes. The snow surface can cool down overnight and is crusted can form and hardness in the morning. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. 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 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 persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
15 to 30 cm of new fallen snow with wind on a weak old snowpack! Tricky situation for winter sports in open terrain!
The avalanche risk is considerable above around 1800 metres. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east. Fractures can tear through the poorly built-up persistent weak layer. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable and should be assessed defensively. Remote triggering is possible. Take particular care in the transition from a little to a lot of snow and in the snow-covered entrance areas of gullies and bowls.
On sunny slopes, wet slides can come loose from very steep slopes.
Snowpack
The snow that fell in the middle of the week in mostly moderate winds deposited on a poorly built-up old snowpack and formed a bonded layer (board). Fractures can occur within the old snowpack, which often consists of a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and angular forms or deep rime. In addition, existing weak layers at the transition from the overlay to the old snowpack can be disturbed. The snowpack is moistened on the sunny slopes and at lower elevations.
Tendency
Thick patches of high fog will persist below 2000 metres, particularly on the southern side of the Alps. The risk of avalanches is slowly decreasing.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Isolated avalanche prone locations in steep shady terrain
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. Due to higher daytime temperatures and solar radiation, isolated loose-snow avalanches can be expected in very steep terrain.
Snowpack
Isolated older snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop loose snow or surface hoar or a melt-freeze encrusted old snowpack surface. Particularly on steep shady slopes, unfavorable ground-level and intermediate layers inside the old snowpack persist in many places. On sunny slopes and generally at lower altitudes, the snowpack becomes thoroughly moist, then generates a breakable melt-freeze crust during the nocturnal hours.
Tendency
Unfavorable snow base and intermediate layers will persist.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Fresh wind slab on a persistent weak layer
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line. Fresh pillows of wind drifted snow can be triggered in a few places, especially in steep terrain exposed to the east. In the northern and eastern exposures, there is also still a persistent weak layer problem at altitudes above the tree line. If the old snowpack is torn through, the avalanches can sometimes reach medium size. Caution in the area of terrain traps.
Sunny slopes can release wet slides from very steep slopes.
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
Increased clearing on the northern side of the Alps with foehn-like southerly winds. No significant change in the avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wind slab and persistent weak layer problem in the higher elevations!
The avalanche risk is low, in some cases moderate at higher elevations. Attention must be paid to mostly small-scale, older, covered and fresh avalanches on the north-east to south side. Slab avalanches can be triggered in steep terrain by even a small additional load (one person). There are largely unchanged avalanche prone locations, mainly in the northern and on shady slopes, in steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines, at transitions from little to more snow and in steep gullies. Small loose snow avalanches are possible on sunny steep terrain in the afternoon.
Snowpack
The recently fallen new snow (around 10cm) has also been transported a little and is not binding sufficiently with the old snowpack. Thin melt-freeze crusts are still embedded in the old snowpack itself and it is often soft or sometimes hard on the surface. The snow base, fundament still contains faceted crystals on the north and on shady slopes, some of which are floating snow. The snowpack is very unevenly distributed, with little snow even at higher altitudes.
Tendency
No significant change in the snow and avalanche situation.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Weak layers in persistent weak layer can still be disturbed
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 1800 metres and low below that. Medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east, but also in a few places in the southern sector. Slabs near the surface can tear through the persistent weak layer. Avalanche prone locations are hardly recognisable and require a defensive route choice. Take particular care near transitions from a little to a lot of snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. On sunny slopes, small loose snow slides can spontaneously break loose from very steep slopes during the daytime changes.
Snowpack
A bound snow slab of former new or drift snow overlays soft layers (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard wind slabs. The snow surface is at least moistened up to around 1500 metres, even higher on sunny slopes. The snow surface can cool down overnight and is crusted can form and hardness in the morning. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. 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 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 persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Particularly weak persistent weak layers and older wind slabs 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
Older wind slabs are still prone to triggering in higher, steeper areas. There is significantly more snow in shady gullies and bowls than on sunny slopes. Here, the snowpack is moistened by incoming radiation. 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. The snowpack is moistened on the sunny slopes and at lower elevations.
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
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Spacing distances, maintaining distances minimise the risk.
The avalanche risk is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. The main problem is a persistent weak layer. Slab avalanches can be triggered in particular with large additional loads. Avalanche prone locations are located particularly at the transition from little to much snow in steep terrain with aspects from north-west to north to east as well as at the entrance to gullies and bowls. They increase in number and size with altitude. Avalanches can reach medium size at high altitudes.
Snowpack
At medium elevations, a melt-freeze crust forms at night, which softens on the sunny slopes during the daytime changes. At higher elevations, a few centimetres of new fallen snow cover a compact old snowpack. In places, prone-to-triggering weak layers of faceted crystals can be found underneath deeper-lying snow covers. The base of the snowpack often consists of large-grained, crumbly snow. On the south side, the ground is increasingly pitting.
Tendency
The avalanche danger is slowly decreasing.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weak layers in persistent weak layer can still be disturbed
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 2000 metres and low below that. Medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east, but also in a few places in the southern sector. Slabs near the surface can tear through the persistent weak layer. Avalanche prone locations are hardly recognisable and require a defensive route choice. Take particular care near transitions from a little to a lot of snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. On sunny slopes, small loose snow slides can spontaneously break loose from very steep slopes during the daytime changes.
Snowpack
A bound snow slab of former new or drift snow overlays soft layers (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard wind slabs. The snow surface is at least moistened up to around 1500 metres, even higher on sunny slopes. The snow surface can cool down overnight and is crusted can form and hardness in the morning. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. 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. Below this crust, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms, which are interspersed with other crusts in areas with more snow. The overall snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1500m
Increased amount of new snow in the highest parts of the mid-mountains, snowdrift accumulations
More new fallen snow in the highest parts of the Central Mountains
In the mountains, the last two-day snow episode has seen a significant amount of new snow above about 1500 m. Lower down, it 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.
There will be more clear weather in the mountains, with the zero isotherm at the level of the highest mountains. On sunny grassy slopes, the danger of wet snow avalanches will increase during the day, and gliding avalanches are possible.
Tendency
The snowpack is stabilized and the danger of avalanches will be reduced.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
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. Due to higher daytime temperatures and solar radiation, isolated loose-snow avalanches can be expected in very steep terrain.
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). On sunny slopes and generally at lower altitudes, the snowpack becomes thoroughly moist, then generates a breakable melt-freeze crust during the nocturnal hours.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snow can still be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts.
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
Low avalanche danger and little snow
The avalanche risk is low, there is little snow. Isolated avalanche prone locations are still conceivable on steep, shady slopes leading to wind slab-filled gullies in the summit areas. In general, the risk of injury from stones and the risk of falling on hard or icy surfaces outweighs the risk of burial.
Snowpack
The snowpack is at least superficially moistened up to around 1500 metres, on sunny slopes even up to the summit areas. The cloudy night prevents the snowpack from stabilising and crusting can form again on the surface. As a result, it is usually sticky and heavy again in the morning hours. Only on shady slopes can the snow surface still be partly soft and dry or wind-treated. Here, edged persistent weak layers - if present - weaken the thin snow base, fundament.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Weak layers in persistent weak layer can still be disturbed
The avalanche risk is low. Above around 2200 metres, small slab avalanches can still be triggered 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 as well as in the entrance areas to gullies and bowls filled with wind slab. Some of the avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. The risk of falling and injury generally outweighs the risk of burial, be careful in the area of terrain traps.
Snowpack
The snowpack is at least superficially moistened up to around 1500 metres, on sunny slopes even up to the summit areas. The snow surface can cool down overnight and is crusted can form and hardness in the morning. Only on shady slopes can the snow surface still be partly dry and soft or wind-treated. Here, older snowdrift accumulations overlay a weak old snowpack, which now consists mainly of faceted crystals or deep rime. Weak layers prone to triggering are mainly found in the weak old snow foundation, but occasionally weak layers of surface hoar are also prone to triggering at the transition from older wind slab to old snow.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
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
Especially on the southern side of the Alps, there will still be persistent patches of high fog below 2000 metres, from which precipitation may fall from time to time. No significant change in the avalanche risk.
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 few centimetres of new fallen snow or isolated pillows of wind drifted snow are covering 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 continues to be weakened by layers with faceted crystals and floating snow, and the persistent weak layer problem remains.
Tendency
Scattered clearing on the northern side of the Alps with foehn-like southerly winds. No significant change in the avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Persistent weak layer problem and small-scale transport!
The avalanche risk is predominantly low. However, attention must be paid to mostly small-scale localised avalanches on the north-east to south side. Slab avalanches can be triggered in steep terrain by even a small additional load (one person). There are largely unchanged avalanche prone locations, mainly in the northern and on shady slopes, in steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines, at transitions from little to more snow and in steep gullies. Small loose snow avalanches are possible on sunny steep terrain in the afternoon.
Snowpack
The recently fallen new snow (around 10cm) has also been transported a little and is not binding sufficiently with the old snowpack. Thin melt-freeze crusts are still embedded in the old snowpack itself and it is often soft or hard on the surface. The snow base, fundament still contains faceted crystals on the north and on shady slopes, some of which are floating snow. The snowpack is very unevenly distributed, with little snow even at higher altitudes.
Tendency
No significant change in the snow and avalanche situation.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Risk of falling and injury on crust can form surfaces.
The avalanche risk is low. Occasional small slab avalanches can be triggered, in particular with large additional loads in the persistent weak layer. Avalanche prone locations are located above around 1800 m on extremely steep shady slopes. The risk of falling and injury is greater than the danger of burial.
Snowpack
At medium elevations, a melt-freeze crust forms at night, which softens on the sunny slopes during the daytime changes. At higher elevations, a few centimetres of new fallen snow cover a compact old snowpack. The base of the snowpack often consists of large-grained, crumbly snow. Break propagation over larger areas is not to be expected with the overall low-stress and low-thickness snowpack. The southern sides are increasingly thinning out.
Tendency
Avalanche danger remains low.
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.
