Weak layers in persistent weak layers are prone to triggering!
The avalanche risk increases rapidly with altitude from the tree line and is considerable above around 2000 metres. 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. There is a high likelihood that surface-triggered avalanches will tear through to deeper layers. Avalanche prone locations are hardly recognisable and require a defensive choice of route. Take particular care near transitions from little to much snow and in the entrance areas to steep gullies.
Snowpack
The surface of the snowpack is crusted or marked by the wind. Fresh and older/hard wind slabs overlay soft layers (surface hoar, faceted crystals). 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. The overall snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
Little change - combined persistent weak layer problem.
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 thus 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 can form a crust in the morning and is also partly wind-blown at high altitudes. Bonded snow overlays soft layers on the surface (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard packets of drift 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. The overall snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem remains.
Danger level
Low avalanche danger and little snow
The avalanche risk is low. Isolated avalanche prone locations are still conceivable in steep, on 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 snow cover is low, steep sunny slopes are often bare. Where there is snow, the snow surface is often encrusted and only in wind-protected, on shady slopes is it still soft in places. Edged persistent weak layers weaken the thin snow base, fundament if present.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Few avalanche prone locations due to persistent weak layers of snow
The avalanche risk is low. Above around 2000 metres, small slab avalanches can still be triggered in a few places in the steep terrain looking from northwest to north to east. 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. The risk of falling and injury generally outweighs the risk of burial, be careful in the area of terrain traps.
Snowpack
The snowpack is often encrusted on the surface, only in wind-protected, high altitudes on shady slopes is the snow still dry and soft. Particularly in northern and eastern aspects, bonded snow partially 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.
