Winter sports enthusiasts beware: 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 in all aspects. In isolated cases, also naturally triggered avalanches can be expected. Exposed areas can be placed at risk. Danger zones occur on steep slopes, 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
By Friday midday an additional 10-20cm of fresh snow, locally more, is anticipated. The large amounts of fresh fallen snow continually are transported in varying directions, new snowdrift accumulations generated, but they are difficult to recognize since constantly getting blanketed with fresh snowfall. Bonding to the unfavorable snowpack is usually weak. Several large and very large avalanche releases from artificial (explosive) triggerings, remote triggerings and triggerings by winter sports enthusiasts confirm just how prone to triggering the snowpack is.
Tendency
The danger of naturally triggered avalanches is diminishing gradually. For winter sports enthusiasts the situation remains treacherous. As a result of the forecast higher temperatures, wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches will be possible particularly at low and intermediate altitudes.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
Wind slab
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
New snow
1600m
The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
New fallen snow in the high alpine regions, weak layers in the old snow cover.
Thursday night and Friday will see more snow in the mountains, with the snow line decreasing. On Friday, snow will be heavier in the east of the Alps. Spontaneous avalanches will continue to occur in the high alpine regions. We advise against visiting the high alpine regions in the current conditions!
Moderate to strong winds from the north will build up larger snowdrift accumulations on the leeward sides. More dangerous are areas of blowing snow, where a major Avalanche may be triggered. New fallen snow will put additional load on the old snow cover. This may exceed the load-bearing capacity of the deeper Weak layers and trigger a deep and large avalanche. Such weak layers are abundant, especially in the axis above the forest, but are not excluded elsewhere.
In parts of the mid-mountains where it has rained, the rain has wetted the snowpack. Some new fallen snow will fall on top of this blanket as the weather cools.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted and mostly well connected. Deep below the surface, the old snow cover contains several weak layers of shredded and coarse grains.
This base will receive 50-80 cm of New fallen snow during this snowfall in the High alpine regions. The snow line was mostly between 1200 m and 1500 m on Thursday, and will be decreasing on Friday.
Tendency
Snow conditions will remain challenging in the coming days.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
New snow
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Gliding snow
2000m
The drifting snow situation is still tricky.
The avalanche risk is high above 1600 metres and moderate below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Where the snow is bonded by the wind and in the area of older snowdrift accumulations, it can easily be triggered by individuals as slab avalanches or detach itself. Avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines on steep slopes of all aspects, behind slope discontinuities, in gullies and bowls and sometimes also in forest aisles and clearings. They increase in number and extent with altitude. In addition, the new fallen snow can detach itself from the rock-interspersed steep terrain as a loose snow avalanche. They can become large, especially when avalanches break through to deeper weak layers in the old snowpack.
On very steep slopes with smooth ground, individual gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
There is often soft new fallen snow on top of large snowdrift accumulations that are prone to triggering, lying on soft layers of snow, graupel or surface hoar. During the day, fresh wind slabs also form. In the upper part of the old snowpack, layers prone to triggering are embedded in thin surface crusts in places. Above 1800 m, there are deeper weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on shady slopes. The snow depths vary greatly across the terrain due to the strong winds.
Tendency
The avalanche situation remains tense.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
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
By Friday midday additional 10-20cm of fresh snow, locally more, is anticipated. The large amounts of fresh fallen snow are continually being transported in varying directions, new snowdrift accumulations generated, but they are difficult to recognize since constantly getting blanketed with fresh snowfall. Fresh snow/drifts have settled slightly, but bonding to the unfavorable snowpack is usually weak.
Tendency
Avalanche danger is diminishing only gradually. As a result of the forecast higher temperatures, wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches will be possible.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
New snow
Little new fallen snow.
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line! Avalanche prone locations difficult to recognise!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below it. During the night to Friday, fresh, unstable wind slabs will form in the north, west and south-east sectors, some of which will be covered by soft new fallen snow. The avalanche prone locations are therefore difficult to recognise and can also occur in unusual aspects. They are generally located on slopes that have been blown in, in terrain adjacent to ridgelines and at the entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by a single person. Spontaneous slab avalanches are also possible.
Snowpack
Up to 50 cm of new fallen snow is expected from Thursday evening to Friday lunchtime, some of which will be transported by wind from various directions. The fresh wind slab may contain weak layers. The snow will often fall on bare ground. Where there is a snow base, fundament, it is crusted can form and hard. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide.
Tendency
On Saturday and Sunday, a warm front will bring thick clouds and plenty of new fallen snow from the main ridge northwards. However, the snowfall level will gradually rise to an altitude of 1000 to 1400 metres.
Increasing wet and sliding snow activity is expected from Sunday.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Caution! Slab avalanches can easily be triggered!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate in places below. Due to new fallen snow and increasing winds during the day changes, there will be more wind slabs. This means that almost all aspects are prone to triggering drift snow. The number of avalanche prone locations increases sharply above the tree line, and in places there are also some below. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by even a small additional load. There are also individual avalanche prone locations that are difficult to recognise due to the persistent weak layer problem in northern to eastern steep slopes. This means that slab avalanches can also tear through this weak layer (persistent weak layer problem). Steep terrain should be avoided. With the increase in new and wind slab snow, spontaneous slab avalanches and loose snow avalanches from steep terrain are possible.
Snowpack
Around 25 cm of new fallen snow is expected by midday on Friday. In addition, the wind speed will increase during the daytime changes on Friday. This means there will be fresh wind slab again. The drift snow packs may contain weak layers (thin crusts), will not bond sufficiently with the old snowpack and will lie on a weak snow base, fundament. In the higher elevations, faceted crystals close to the ground and partly floating snow are embedded in the old snowpack, largely unchanged on the north and shady slopes.
Tendency
Tense avalanche situation at the weekend. There will be new fallen snow and stormy winds again on Saturday. More wind slab will be added.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line! Avalanche prone locations difficult to recognise!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below it. During the night to Friday, fresh, unstable wind slabs will form in the north, west and south-east sectors, some of which will be covered by soft new fallen snow. The avalanche prone locations are therefore difficult to recognise and can also occur in unusual aspects. They are generally located on slopes that have been blown in, in terrain adjacent to ridgelines and at the entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by a single person. Spontaneous slab avalanches are also possible.
Snowpack
From Thursday evening to Friday lunchtime, up to 50 cm of new fallen snow is expected in the peripheral mountains and up to 20 cm in the more westerly mountain groups, some of which will be transported by winds from various directions. The fresh wind slab may contain weak layers. The snow base, fundament is unstable due to weak layers of snow-covered surface hoar and floating snow. The snow can begin to glide snow on steep meadow slopes.
Tendency
On Saturday and Sunday, a warm front will bring thick clouds and plenty of new fallen snow from the main ridge northwards. However, the snowfall level will gradually rise to an altitude of 1000 to 1400 metres.
Increasing wet and sliding snow activity is expected from Sunday.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
New snow
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Gliding snow
2000m
Avoid prone to triggering wind slab!
The avalanche risk is considerable above 1600 metres and moderate below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Where the snow is bonded by the wind and in the area of older snowdrift accumulations, slab avalanches can be triggered with little additional load or detach themselves. Avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. They are located adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines in steep slopes of all aspects, behind slope discontinuities and in gullies and bowls, sometimes also in forest aisles and clearings. Cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a sign of danger. In addition, the soft new fallen snow can detach itself from the steep terrain interspersed with rocks. The avalanche prone locations increase in number and size with altitude. Avalanches reach medium size.
Above 1800 metres, avalanches on very steep shady slopes can also occasionally tear through to deeper weak layers in the old snowpack.
Individual gliding avalanches are possible on very steep slopes with smooth ground.
Snowpack
Loose new fallen snow often covers extensive snowdrift accumulations that are prone to triggering and lie on soft layers of snow, graupel or surface hoar. During the day, additional fresh wind slab forms. In the upper part of the old snowpack, layers prone to triggering are embedded in thin surface crusts in places. Above 1800 m, there are some deeper weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on shady slopes. The snow depths vary greatly across the terrain due to the strong winds.
Tendency
The avalanche situation remains tense.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line! Avalanche prone locations difficult to recognise!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below it. During the night to Friday, fresh, unstable wind slabs will form in the north, west and south-east sectors, some of which will be covered by soft new fallen snow. The avalanche prone locations are therefore difficult to recognise and can also occur in unusual aspects. They are generally located on slopes that have been blown in, in terrain adjacent to ridgelines and at the entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by a single person. Spontaneous slab avalanches are also possible.
Snowpack
Up to 20 cm of new fallen snow is expected from Thursday evening to Friday lunchtime, some of which will be transported by wind from various directions. The fresh wind slab may contain weak layers. The snow base, fundament is unstable due to weak layers of snow-covered surface hoar and floating snow. The snow can begin to glide snow on steep meadow slopes.
Tendency
On Saturday and Sunday, a warm front will bring thick clouds and plenty of new fallen snow from the main ridge northwards. However, the snowfall level will gradually rise to between 1000 and 1400 metres above sea level.
Larger, naturally triggered avalanches are also increasingly likely in the northern Alps.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line!
The avalanche risk increases rapidly with altitude and is assessed as considerable (level 3) above the tree line. The drift snow packs are first covered by new fallen snow, then new drift snow packs form. Adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, small to medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts in some places. Triggering is also possible in forest aisles. Avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise due to the new fallen snow. There is still a persistent weak layer problem on shady slopes at high altitudes. Avalanches can occasionally tear through angular weak layers and reach medium size.
Snowpack
During the night to Friday, 10 to 30 cm of new fallen snow will fall, which will be transported by strong north-easterly winds in places. The drift snow packs are deposited on the snowdrift accumulations of the last few days or on the old snowpack. This is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. There are weak layers both at the transitions to the wind slab and within the old snowpack.
Tendency
There will be no precipitation during the night until Saturday. On Saturday, the current will turn to the west and stormy winds will arise. A warm front is expected to bring precipitation again on Sunday night. However, the snowfall level will rise significantly. The avalanche risk remains considerable above the tree line.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
The avalanche danger is high!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. The situation is dangerous for winter sports, especially in areas bordering a higher danger level.
On slopes of all aspects, medium to large slab avalanches can be triggered very easily in some places (including remote triggering) by individuals. Naturally triggered avalanches are also possible. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 2000 m, avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to deeper layers. Danger areas are sometimes barely recognisable and require a very defensive choice of route - watch out for avalanche catchment areas. Fresh avalanches, cracks in the snowpack and booming noises indicate danger.
Snowpack
From Sunday to Thursday, about half a metre of new fallen snow was transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. Fresh (from today, Thursday) foehn drift snow and older, over-snowed wind slab snow overlay soft layers of faceted crystals and deep frost. In wind-protected areas, on shady slopes above about 2000 m, on sunny slopes above 2400 m, some surface hoar has also been snowed in. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space.
Tendency
On the main ridge and in Lungau, a strong northerly foehn will blow on Friday, forming fresh wind slab. The avalanche risk remains considerable above the tree line.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Fresh wind slab and weak persistent weak layer
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. Especially in the sectors from north-west to north to south, slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places. Avalanches reach medium size and can tear through the persistent weak layer. Be careful in particular near transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. Some avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route.
Snowpack
The snow surface is heavily treated by the wind and prone to triggering. Within the snowpack, bonded snow overlays soft, faceted layers. In wind-protected, shady areas above about 2000 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in to some extent. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely built-up old snow foundation. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space with below-average overall snow depths.
Tendency
On Friday, a northerly foehn will form fresh wind slabs.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
New snow
New fallen snow leads to an increase in avalanche danger!
The avalanche danger is assessed as moderate (level 2). During the night to Friday, fresh, unstable wind slabs will form in the north, west and south-east sectors, some of which will be covered by soft new fallen snow. The avalanche prone locations are therefore difficult to recognise and can also occur in unusual aspects. They are generally located on slopes that have been blown in, in terrain adjacent to ridgelines and at the entrances to gullies and bowls. Small, and occasionally medium-sized, slab avalanches can be triggered by a single person. Spontaneous slab avalanches are also possible.
Snowpack
Between Thursday evening and Friday lunchtime, 20 to 30 cm of new fallen snow is expected, with up to 50 cm possible in the Wechsel area. Some of the new fallen snow will be transported by wind from various directions. The fresh wind slabs may contain weak layers. At low altitudes, the snow will often fall on loose ground, at higher altitudes on older snowdrift accumulations or a crusted can form old snowpack. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide snow.
Tendency
There will be no precipitation during the night until Saturday. On Saturday, the current will turn to the west and strong to stormy winds will develop. A warm front is expected to bring precipitation again on Sunday night. However, the snowfall level will rise significantly. The avalanche danger remains moderate (level 2).
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
New snow
New fallen snow
Rain has been falling since Thursday, with rain outside the highest peaks. On Friday night, the precipitation will intensify again, the snow line will drop rapidly and snow will fall to the lowlands.
Snowpack
There is little old snow cover, with snow only on the highest peaks. This snowfall will bring 20-40 cm of new fallen snow, possibly more than 50 cm at the top of Pohorje.
Tendency
The danger of avalanches will remain similar.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Fresh and older wind slabs are easy to release.
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below.
In north-west to north to south-facing slopes, avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places. Above 2000 m, slab avalanches are still possible in persistent weak layers in a few places. Avalanches can reach medium size. 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 slabs. Caution should also be exercised at the edge of forests and in forest aisles. Cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate danger. Caution in the area of terrain traps.
Snowpack
From Sunday to Tuesday, 20 cm to 60 cm of new fallen snow was transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. On Thursday, too, the wind (from the south in the morning, from the north in the afternoon) formed fresh wind slabs. A break usually occurs between the last wind slab and layers of fresh snow, in some places surface hoar has also been snowed in. At high altitudes, especially in northern and eastern aspects, bonded snow overlays a weak old snowpack of faceted crystals and deep frost.
Tendency
The avalanche danger remains similar on Friday.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Avoid fresh wind slab!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. The situation is precarious for winter sports.
In some places, medium-sized slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals on slopes of all aspects and especially in foehn corridors. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 2000 metres, avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to deeper layers and become large. Danger areas are sometimes barely recognisable and require a defensive choice of route. Be careful in particular near transitions from little to much snow, behind terrain edges, in the entrance areas to steep gullies and bowls and also in the forest boundary area or in forest aisles. Remote triggering is possible and naturally triggered avalanches can also occur on very steep terrain.
Snowpack
In the past few days, around half a metre of new fallen snow has been transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. Fresh and older, over-snowed wind slab snow overlay soft layers of faceted crystals and deep rime. In wind-protected areas, on shady slopes above about 2000 m, on sunny slopes above 2400 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space.
Tendency
On the main ridge and in Lungau, a strong northerly foehn will blow on Friday, forming fresh wind slab. The avalanche risk remains considerable above the tree line.
Danger level
1200m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
1200m
New snow
1500m
Increased amount of new snow in the highest parts of the mid-mountains, snowdrift accumulations
New fallen snow on the highest peaks
Precipitation has been falling since Thursday, outside the highest peaks in the form of rain, which has soaked the snowpack. As the snowfall level is high, only the highest peaks will be covered with snow.
Snowpack
The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted and mostly well connected. A depth hoar has formed at the interface between the snowpack and the ground.
