Avalanche Service Vorarlberg

Thursday 19 February 2026

Published 18 Feb 2026, 17:16:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
2000m
New snow
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2000m


Winter sports enthusiasts beware: still high avalanche danger widespread

The large amounts of fresh snow and drifts are prone to triggering. Avalanches can easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast or be triggered naturally. Exposed areas can be placed at risk. Danger zones occur on steep slopes near to and distant from ridgelines, behind drops in the landscape and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and spread of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. Whumpf noises and fractures which appear when treading upon the snowpack, as well as freshly released avalanches are alarm signals. Activities in outlying terrain are currently dangerous.

Snowpack

The large amounts of fresh fallen snow are continually being transported, new snowdrift accumulations generated, but they are difficult to recognize since constantly getting blanketed with fresh snowfall. Fresh snow and drifts have settled somewhat, but bonding to the unfavorable is usually weak. Large avalanche releases from artificial (explosive) triggerings and triggerings by winter sports enthusiasts confirm just how prone to triggering the snowpack is.

Tendency

Avalanche danger is slowly diminishing. For winter sports enthusiasts the situation remains treacherous.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1800m


Considerable avalanche danger at high altitudes.

Considerable avalanche danger prevails. Avalanches can easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast. Danger zones occur on steep slopes in all aspects, behind drops in the landscape and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and spread of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. Whumpf noises and fractures which appear when treading upon the snowpack, as well as freshly released avalanches are alarm signals. Activities in outlying terrain demand cautious assessment of the terrain and careful evaluation of the dangers. The inexperienced should not leave secured ski runs.

Snowpack

The large amounts of fresh fallen snow are continually being transported, new snowdrift accumulations generated, but they are difficult to recognize since constantly getting blanketed with fresh snowfall. Fresh snow and drifts have settled somewhat, but bonding to the unfavorable is usually moderate-to-weak.

Tendency

Depending on amounts of fresh snow, avalanche danger could increase again regionally during the course of the day.