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). The snowpack on steep south-facing slopes is often capable of bearing loads.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack the main problem. The proneness to triggering of the snowpack gradually receding.
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. The snowpack on steep south-facing slopes is often capable of bearing loads.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snow can still be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts.
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.
