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 still cannot be ruled out. 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
The most recent fresh snowfall and freshly generated snowdrifts have already settled somewhat and consolidated. In higher wind-protected zones there is still loose snow or surface hoar deposited on top of a weak old snowpack, particularly on steep shady slopes. On sunny slopess and in general at lower altitudes, the snowpack is melt-freeze encrusted in many places. The snowpack on steep south-facing slopes are often capable of bearing loads. Avalanche triggerings in the old snow continue to reinforce just how prone to triggering the snowpack is.
Tendency
Weak layers in the old snowpack are the main problem. Depending on fresh snowfall and wind, avalanche danger could increase again.
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!
New fallen snow in the high alpine regions, weak layers persist.
In particular, even a small additional load can trigger a small avalanche on snowdrift accumulations. A triggered avalanche or an otherwise large Additional load may exceed the load-bearing capacity of the deep hard layers, triggering a deep and widespread (large) avalanche. Such weak layers are particularly abundant in the axis above the forest, but are not excluded elsewhere. Gliding avalanches also occur on steep smooth slopes.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
At slightly warmer air temperatures, the snowpack transforms and collapses more quickly. Snow has melted on the highest peaks on sunny slopes, while only the high alpine regions have remained dry.
The snowpack is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted. The coherence of the layers of blown snow in snowdrift accumulations built up by the southerly wind during the snowfall is weaker.
In the old snow cover, there are several weak layers of faceted snow crystals and sheared grains deep below the surface.
Tendency
The danger of avalanches will remain similar.
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 that. The situation remains precarious for winter sports. Medium-sized slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east. Remote triggering is still possible in isolated cases. If weak layers near the surface are disturbed, there is a high likelihood of avalanches breaking through to deeper layers. The old snowpack is poorly structured 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.
Snowpack
The snowpack is crusted can form and hard in the morning and softens a little on the sunny side during the daytime changes. Bonded snow overlays soft layers on the surface (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard packets of drifting snow. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. Breaks occur either in soft layers near the surface or around 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
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 still 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. Occasionally
remote triggering is still 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.
Snowpack
A bound snow layer (board) lies on a poorly built-up old snowpack. 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 (covered surface hoar) can be disturbed at the transition from the overlay to the old snowpack.
Tendency
Towards the middle of the week, clouds from a warm front will replace the sunshine and bring local rain or snow showers with a snowfall level of around 1500 metres.
The avalanche situation is only slowly improving.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Weak layers in persistent weak layers remain prone to triggering
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 1800 metres and low below. There is still a persistent weak layer problem. Slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in some places, especially on north to east-facing slopes. Medium-sized avalanches are 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 difficult to recognise.
On the sunny slopes, small spontaneous loose snow avalanches from very steep slopes are possible during daytime changes with prolonged incoming radiation.
Snowpack
The snow cover is prone to triggering in places in higher, steeper areas in the transition to the old snowpack due to soft layers such as snow-covered surface hoar. 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.
Tendency
Towards the middle of the week, clouds from a warm front will replace the sunshine and bring local rain or snow showers with a snowfall level of around 1500 metres.
No significant change in the avalanche risk.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weak layers in persistent weak layers remain prone to triggering
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 2000 metres and low below that. Slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east. Avalanches can tear through the persistent weak layer and become medium sized. Some avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route. Take particular care near transitions from little to more snow and in the snow-covered entrance areas to steep gullies.
Snowpack
The snowpack is crusted can form and hard in the morning and softens a little on the sunny side during the daytime changes. Bonded snow overlays soft layers on the surface (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard packets of drifting snow. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. Breaks occur either in soft layers near the surface or around 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
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
Particularly on steep shady slopes, the often unfavorable base and intermediate layers of the old snowpack have persisted. On sunny slopes and in general at lower altitudes the snowpack surface is often melt-freeze encrusted. The snowpack on steep south-facing slopes is often capable of bearing loads.
Tendency
As a result of some fresh snowfall and wind, avalanche danger could increase somewhat.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Persistent weak layer problem on some slopes.
The avalanche risk is moderate above 2200 metres and low below that. Persistent weak layers can be problematic. Slab avalanches can be triggered in particular with large additional loads. Avalanche prone locations are on very steep slopes with aspects from north-west to north to east as well as at the transition from little to much snow, for example when entering gullies and bowls. Avalanches usually remain small, but medium-sized avalanches cannot be ruled out.
Snowpack
At medium elevations, the snowpack can form a crust in the morning before softening with the sun during the daytime changes. On shady slopes at higher altitudes (above approx. 1500 metres), the snow is compact and powdery on the surface. The snowpack is compact and the sinking depths are shallow. In the higher altitudes, weak layers of faceted crystals can be found in places under deeper snow caps. The ground is increasingly pitting on the south side.
Tendency
The avalanche danger is slowly decreasing.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Persistent weak layer problem!
The avalanche risk is moderate at higher altitudes. Medium slab avalanches can occasionally be triggered here in steep terrain even with a small additional load. Attention should be paid to steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines, transitions from little to more snow as well as steep gullies and bowls, mainly in the northern and on-shady slopes. On sunny slopes, small spontaneous loose snow avalanches from very steep slopes are possible during daytime changes.
Snowpack
The snowpack can partially harden on the surface overnight, but then opens up and still contains thin melt-freeze crusts. Faceted crystals, some of which are floating snow, are still embedded in the snow base, fundament on the north and shady slopes at higher elevations. The recently formed wind slab binds better. The snowpack is very unevenly distributed, with little snow even at higher elevations.
Tendency
No significant change.
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.
Snowpack
The most recent fresh snowfall and freshly generated snowdrifts have already settled somewhat and consolidated. In higher wind-protected zones there is still loose snow or surface hoar deposited on top of a weak old snowpack, particularly on steep shady slopes. On sunny slopess and in general at lower altitudes, the snowpack is melt-freeze encrusted in many places. The snowpack on steep south-facing slopes are often capable of bearing loads.
Tendency
As a result of some fresh snowfall and wind, avalanche danger could increase somewhat. Triggerings in the old snow are still possible.
Danger level
1200m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
1200m
New snow
Treeline
Increased amount of new snow in the highest parts of the mid-mountains, snowdrift accumulations
Blowing snow, gliding avalanches.
In particular, even a small additional load can trigger a small avalanche on snowdrift accumulations. Gliding avalanches also occur on steep, smooth slopes.
Snowpack
At slightly warmer air temperatures, the snowpack transforms and collapses more quickly. The snow has melted to the highest peaks - including on the wasps.
The snowpack is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted and mostly well connected. The layers of blown snow are less well connected in snowdrift accumulations built up by the southerly wind during the snowfall.
A depth hoar has formed at the interface between the snowpack and the ground.
Tendency
The danger of avalanches will remain similar.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Weak layers in persistent weak layers remain prone to triggering
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 1800 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east. Avalanches can tear through the persistent weak layer and become medium sized. Some avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route. Take particular care near transitions from little to more snow and in the snow-covered entrance areas to steep gullies.
Snowpack
The snowpack is crusted can form and hard in the morning and softens a little on the sunny side during the daytime changes. Bonded snow overlays soft layers on the surface (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard packets of drifting snow. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. Breaks occur either in soft layers near the surface or around 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 further crusts in areas with more snow. The overall snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Risk of falling and injury on crust can form surfaces.
The avalanche risk is low. Occasionally, small slab avalanches with large additional loads can be triggered in the persistent weak layer. Avalanche prone locations are located on extremely steep shady slopes above 1600 metres. The risk of falling and injury is greater than the danger of burial.
Snowpack
At medium elevations, the snowpack can form a crust in the morning before softening with the sun over the course of the daytime changes. On shady slopes at higher altitudes (above approx. 1500 metres), the snow is powdery on the surface. The snowpack is compact and the sinking depths are shallow. Faceted crystals often form the snow base, fundament. The southern sides are largely snowed out.
Tendency
Avalanche danger remains low.
Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Weak layers in persistent weak layers can still be disturbed in a few places
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 crusted can form and hard in the morning and softens again somewhat on the sunny slopes during the daytime changes. Only on shady slopes can the snow surface still be dry and soft or wind-treated in places. A thin, bound snow slab overlays a weak old snowpack, which now consists mainly of faceted crystals or deep rime. Prone to triggering weak layers are mainly found in the weak old snow foundation.
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. Small slab avalanches can be triggered in steep gullies and bowls in isolated places at high altitudes. Avalanche prone locations are covered by a thin layer of snow and are often difficult to recognise. 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 little snow. The snowpack is damp or crusted can form in places. In the higher elevations, however, angular snow crystals are still weakening the stability on shady slopes. Above this, in the extended eastern sector, there may also be a thin, bound layer, which in some cases is not well bonded to the old snowpack.
Tendency
Thick patches of high fog will persist below 2000 metres, particularly on the southern side of the Alps. On the northern side of the Alps, these may clear in foehn-like southerly winds. No significant change in the avalanche danger.
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 crusted can form and hard in the morning and softens a little on the sunny side during the daytime changes. Only on shady slopes can the snow surface still be partly dry and soft 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
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, avalanches can be triggered in a few places. However, even if the old snowpack is torn through, the avalanches usually remain small. In general, the risk of entrainment, falling and injury outweighs the risk of burial. However, be careful 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 layer partially covers a very variable and mostly hard or crusted can form 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 down to the foundations, and the persistent weak layer problem remains.
Tendency
Thick patches of high fog will persist below 2000 metres, particularly on the southern side of the Alps. On the northern side of the Alps, these may clear in foehn-like southerly winds. No significant change in the avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Persistent weak layer problem!
The avalanche risk is low. Mostly small slab avalanches can be triggered occasionally in steep terrain by even a small additional load. Attention should be paid to steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines, transitions from little to more snow and steep gullies, mainly in the northern and on shady slopes. On sunny slopes, small spontaneous loose snow avalanches from very steep slopes are possible during daytime changes.
Snowpack
The snowpack can partially harden on the surface overnight, but then opens up and still contains thin melt-freeze crusts. Faceted crystals, some of which are floating snow, are still embedded in the snow base, fundament on the north and shady slopes at higher elevations. The recently formed wind slab binds better. The snowpack is very unevenly distributed, with little snow even at higher elevations.
Tendency
No significant change.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Increased amount of new snow in the highest parts of the mid-mountains, snowdrift accumulations
Blown snow
In particular, the additional load of snowdrifts built up by the SE wind may trigger a small, cumulonimbus avalanche.
Snowpack
The snowpack is moist throughout its entire thickness and is already well bonded. South and south-easterly winds have built up on the leeward sides of the ridges.
Tendency
The danger of avalanches will remain similar.
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
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
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.
