Large amounts of fresh snow and drifts blanket a weak old snowpack. Avalanches can easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast in all aspects, and then grow to large size. Danger zones are numerous, occur also near the timberline. For activities outside secured zones, conditions are extremely dangerous. Remote triggerings and naturally triggered avalanches continue to be anticipated. Particularly in starting zones which have not yet discharged, they can in isolated cases be very large-sized and plummet down to low altitude zones. Exposed transportation routes can be placed at risk. Rain impact at low and intermediate altitudes will lead to the snowpack softening up and thus, to increased frequency of naturally triggered avalanches.
Snowpack
By Saturday evening, an additional 20-30cm of fresh snow is expected, locally more. The large amounts of fresh snow from the last few days have been repeatedly transported in varying directions, generating far-reaching snowdrift accumulations. These are now often blanketed over and difficult to recognize. Bonding to the usually weak snowpack is weak. Several large and very large sized avalanche releases due to artificial triggerings, remote triggerings and provoked by winter sports enthusiasts confirm just how trigger-sensitive the snowpack is.
Tendency
The danger of naturally triggered avalanches is slowly diminishing. Due to rising temperatures and first-time solar radiation, the situation remains treacherous for winter sports enthusiasts. Wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches can be increasingly expected, especially at low and intermediate altitudes.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
New snow
1600m
Wet snow
1800m
Naturally triggered avalanches still expected
Dangerous avalanche situation persists
Large amounts of fresh snow and drifts blanket a weak old snowpack. Avalanches can easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast in all aspects, and then grow to large size. Danger zones are numerous, occur also near the timberline. For activities outside secured zones, conditions are extremely dangerous. Remote triggerings and naturally triggered avalanches continue to be anticipated. Particularly in starting zones which have not yet discharged, they can in isolated cases be very large-sized and plummet down to low altitude zones. Exposed transportation routes can be placed at risk. Rain impact at low and intermediate altitudes will lead to the snowpack softening up and thus, to increased frequency of naturally triggered avalanches.
Snowpack
By Saturday evening, an additional 20-30cm of fresh snow is expected, locally more. The large amounts of fresh snow from the last few days have been repeatedly transported in varying directions, generating far-reaching snowdrift accumulations. These are now often blanketed over and difficult to recognize. Bonding to the usually weak snowpack is weak. Several large and very large sized avalanche releases due to artificial triggerings, remote triggerings and provoked by winter sports enthusiasts confirm just how trigger-sensitive the snowpack is.
Tendency
The danger of naturally triggered avalanches is slowly diminishing. Due to rising temperatures and first-time solar radiation, the situation remains treacherous for winter sports enthusiasts. Wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches can be increasingly expected, especially at low and intermediate altitudes.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
New snow
1600m
Wet snow
1400m
The drifting snow situation is still tricky.
The avalanche risk is high above 1600 metres and considerable below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Avalanches can break loose in all aspects and altitudes, either by themselves or with a small additional load. There is even a risk of avalanches in steep clearings or aisles in mountain forests. From extremely steep terrain, new fallen snow is released in the form of loose snow avalanches. Avalanches can become large and penetrate as far as the flat.
Wet snow also becomes a problem. During the daytime changes, spontaneous loose snow avalanches of medium size can be expected up to 1400 m due to rainfall from very steep terrain, such as forest aisles.
Gliding avalanches are also possible on very steep slopes with smooth ground.
Exposed transportation routes can be hit by avalanches.
Snowpack
Soft new fallen snow lies over large snowdrift accumulations that are prone to triggering. North-westerly winds are creating fresh wind slabs. In all aspects, there are potential weak layers of graupel, surface hoar or faceted crystals in the area of thin crusts in the upper part of the snowpack. Above 1800 m, there are weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on the shady slopes. Up to approx. 1400 m, rainfall weakens the snowpack during the day changes. At medium altitudes, the snowpack base is partly moist or wet. The snow depths vary greatly across the terrain due to the strong winds.
Tendency
The avalanche situation remains tense.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
Wind slab
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
New snow
1600m
New fallen snow in the high alpine regions, weak layers in the old snow cover.
It snowed in the mountains on Thursday and Friday. On Friday, the snow line dropped, with heavier snowfall 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 have built up large snowdrift accumulations on the leeward sides. Areas of blowing snow are more dangerous and can trigger a major Avalanche. 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 has fallen on top of this blanket as it cooled.
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.
50-80 cm of New fallen snow has fallen on this base during this snowfall in the High alpine regions. The snow line was mostly between 1200 m and 1500 m on Thursday, but dropped on Friday.
Tendency
Snow conditions will remain challenging, with an increased danger of wet snow avalanches in the mid-mountains as the weather warms up.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1500m
Wind slab
1500m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
New snow
1500m
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 faceted snow crystals and coarse grains.
This base has received 60-80 cm of New fallen snow in the high alpine regions during this snowfall. The snow line was mostly between 1200 m and 1500 m on Thursday, but dropped on Friday.
Tendency
Snow conditions will remain challenging, with an increased danger of wet snow avalanches in the mid-mountains as the weather warms up.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wet snow
1400m
High prone to triggering in wind slabs
The avalanche risk is high above the tree line (4), a dangerous situation. In many places, slab avalanches can be triggered very easily (even from a distance) by individuals. Naturally triggered avalanches are also possible. 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 very defensive choice of route, which also takes into account catchment areas that cannot be seen. At low and medium altitudes, raindrops can trigger small, wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches.
Snowpack
Since last weekend, half a metre to a metre of snow has fallen in strong winds from varying directions. Fresh and older windslab snow overlaid with soft layers of faceted crystals and deep rime. In areas sheltered from the wind, on shady slopes above around 2000 metres and on sunny slopes above 2400 metres, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Breaks occur either in soft layers between the last snow packs or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. Current reports of large-scale whamming noises confirm the unfavourable snow layering. At low and medium altitudes, rainfall weakens the snowpack.
Tendency
Further precipitation with rising snowfall levels and strong winds on Sunday night. The situation remains very precarious!
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
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. Avalanche prone locations are snow-covered slopes of all aspects, in particular the east and south sectors. Particular caution is required behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in many places. Spontaneous loose snow avalanches can also occur at lower altitudes.
Snowpack
Up to 20 cm of new fallen snow was transported by winds from various directions. Fresh drifts will form in the east and south sectors over the course of Saturday. Weak layers are possible both in the fresh wind slabs and in the transition to persistent weak layers. The snow base, fundament is weakened by faceted crystals and floating snow.
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
2000m
Wet snow
1400m
Prone to triggering wind slab on weak persistent layer
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. On slopes of all aspects, 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, surface-triggered avalanches can break through into deeper layers and reach large dimensions. Danger areas are sometimes barely recognisable and require a very defensive choice of route. Small, wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches are possible at low and medium altitudes.
Snowpack
Since last weekend, half a metre to a metre of snow has fallen in strong winds from varying directions. Fresh and older wind slab snow overlaid with soft layers of faceted crystals and deep rime. In areas sheltered from the wind, on shady slopes above around 2000 m and on sunny slopes above 2400 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Breaks occur either in soft layers between the last snow packs or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. Rainfall weakens the snowpack at low and medium altitudes.
Tendency
Further precipitation with a rising snowfall level and persistent wind influence on Sunday night. The situation remains precarious!
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1500m
New snow
1500m
Wet snow
1400m
Avoid prone to triggering wind slab!
The avalanche risk is considerable above 1500 metres and moderate below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Avalanches can be triggered in all aspects and altitudes by small additional loads. There is even a risk of avalanches in steep clearings or aisles in mountain forests. From extremely steep terrain, new fallen snow is released in the form of loose snow avalanches. The avalanche prone locations increase in number and size with altitude. Avalanches reach medium size.
Wet snow also becomes a problem. During the daytime changes, spontaneous loose snow avalanches of medium size can be expected from very steep terrain, such as forest aisles, due to the rainfall up to 1400 metres.
Gliding avalanches are also possible on very steep slopes with smooth ground.
Exposed transportation routes can be hit by avalanches.
Snowpack
Soft new fallen snow lies over prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations. North-westerly winds are creating fresh wind slabs. Potential weak layers of graupel, surface hoar or faceted crystals in the area of thin crusts can be found in the upper part of the snowpack in all aspects. Above 1800 m, there are weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on the shady slopes. Up to approx. 1400 m, rainfall weakens the snowpack during the day changes. At medium altitudes, the snowpack base is partly moist or wet. 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
2000m
Wind slab
Treeline
Strong northerly foehn forms prone to triggering wind slabs
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. Slab avalanches can be triggered very easily by individuals in some places and can reach medium size. Take particular care near transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. The freshly forming wind slab is easy to recognise and should be consistently avoided. A defensive choice of route is recommended.
Snowpack
The snow surface is strongly affected by the wind and is prone to triggering. Within the snowpack, bonded snow overlays soft, faceted layers, and in wind-protected, shady areas above around 2000 metres, surface hoar. 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.
Tendency
Unchanged tricky drift snow situation on Sunday.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
1000m
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line! Pay attention to fresh, prone to triggering wind slab!
The avalanche risk increases rapidly with altitude and is assessed as considerable (level 3) above the tree line. With the strong to stormy winds, fresh, prone-to-triggering 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. In the steep terrain on the shady slopes at high altitudes, avalanches can occasionally tear through angular weak layers and reach medium size. Below 1000 m, wet snow slides are possible with rainfall.
Snowpack
From Thursday to Friday, 10 to 30 cm of new fallen snow fell. With strong to stormy westerly to north-westerly winds, fresh wind slabs are forming. The drift snow packs are deposited on the snowdrift accumulations of the last few days. The connection between the drift snow packs and the old snowpack is poor. At shady high altitudes, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. With the arrival of rain, the snowpack can begin to slide at low altitudes.
Tendency
There will be more precipitation on Sunday, with the snowfall level rising during the day changes. The risk of avalanches will increase due to the rain penetrating the snowpack, in particular at altitudes below 1500 metres.
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. Avalanche prone locations are snow-covered slopes of all aspects, in particular east and south. Particular caution is required behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in many places.
Snowpack
Up to 30 cm of new fallen snow was transported by winds from various directions. Fresh drifts will form in the east and south sectors over the course of Saturday. Weak layers are possible both in the fresh wind slabs and in the transition to persistent weak layers. The snow base, fundament is weakened by faceted crystals and floating snow.
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
Wet snow
1400m
Fresh and older wind slabs are easy to release
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. In some places, slab avalanches can be triggered very easily by individuals and 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. Also take care in areas bordering forests and in forest aisles and watch out for terrain traps. The avalanche prone locations are not always easy to recognise. Small, wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches are possible at low and medium altitudes.
Snowpack
Abundant new fallen snow (30 to 90 cm has fallen in several portions since last weekend) has been and is being extensively transported and is prone to triggering. Breaks are possible mainly between the last layers of drifting snow, sometimes (especially on shady slopes protected from the wind) also on snow-covered surface hoar. At high altitudes, especially in northern and eastern aspects, bonded snow overlays a weak old snowpack of faceted crystals and deep frost.
Tendency
Further precipitation with a rising snowfall level and persistent wind influence on Sunday night. The situation remains precarious!
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
1400m
Caution! Snowfall, rain in places, poor visibility and easily triggered wind slab!
The avalanche risk is still considerable above the tree line and moderate in places below. Above the tree line, there are packs of drifting snow prone to triggering in all aspects. New fallen snow and wind are adding fresh wind slabs. There are avalanche prone locations in steep terrain, especially adjacent to ridgelines, partly distant from ridgelines, at terrain transitions and in transition areas from more to less snow. 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. Spontaneous slab avalanches are also possible. Where there is sufficient snow below the snowfall level, wet loose snow avalanches are possible from extremely steep terrain.
Snowpack
In the past few days, there has been repeated new fallen snow and strong to sometimes stormy winds from different directions. As a result, prone-to-triggering drift snow packs have formed. These packs contain weak layers, such as thin crusts, do not bond sufficiently with the old snowpack and lie on a weak snow base, fundament. At higher elevations, faceted crystals close to the ground, some of which are floating snow, are largely unchanged on the north and on shady slopes and are embedded in the old snowpack.
Tendency
The avalanche situation remains tense.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet snow
1800m
Considerable avalanche danger above the timberline
Avalanches can 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 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. Rain impact is leading to a softening of the snowpack at low and intermediate altitudes; this can lead to naturally triggered, small-to-medium sized avalanches. Zones with glide cracks should be avoided.
Snowpack
By Saturday evening, an additional 10-20cm of fresh snow is anticipated. The 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 and drifts have settled slightly, but bonding to the unfavorable snowpack is usually weak.
Tendency
Particularly at low and intermediate altitudes, increasingly frequent wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches can be expected.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding snow
Significant avalanche danger, wind slab problem!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. Avalanche prone locations are snow-covered slopes of all aspects, in particular east and south. Particular caution is required behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in many places. At lower altitudes, spontaneous gliding avalanches can occur on steep grassy slopes.
Snowpack
Up to 60 cm of new fallen snow was transported by winds from various directions. In the course of Saturday, fresh drifts will form in the east and south sectors. Weak layers are possible both in the fresh wind slabs and in the transition to persistent weak layers. The snow base, fundament is weakened by faceted crystals and floating snow. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide.
Tendency
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding snow
Treeline
Little new fallen snow.
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. Avalanche prone locations are snow-covered slopes of all aspects, in particular east and south. Take particular care behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by a single person in many places. At lower elevations, spontaneous gliding avalanches can occasionally occur on steep grassy slopes.
Snowpack
Up to 40 cm of new fallen snow was transported by winds from various directions. In the course of Saturday, fresh drifts will form in the east and south sectors. Weak layers are possible both in the fresh wind slabs and in the transition to persistent weak layers. 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
Gliding snow
1000m
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line! Fresh, prone to triggering wind slabs in gullies and bowls!
The avalanche risk above the tree line is assessed as considerable (level 3). The strong to prone-to-triggering wind creates fresh drift snow packs, which in some places can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts as a medium slab avalanche. Naturally triggered avalanches are also possible in steep gullies and bowls. Below the tree line, small slab avalanches are possible on snow-covered slopes. Gliding sluffs can also occur in a few places, especially on steep slopes below around 1000 metres.
Snowpack
From Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon, 20 to 30 cm of new fallen snow fell across the region, up to 40 cm in the Wechsel area. The new fallen snow is being transported by the strong west to north-westerly winds. The fresh wind slabs may contain weak layers. In steep gullies and bowls at higher altitudes, there are sometimes considerable accumulations of older wind slabs, which are usually well settled. On steep meadow slopes, the snow may begin to glide snow due to the warming.
Tendency
There will be more precipitation on Sunday, with the snowfall level continuing to rise during the day changes. The risk of avalanches will increase in particular at altitudes below 1500 metres due to the rain penetrating the snowpack.
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
On Thursday and Friday, precipitation occurred, with rain outside the highest peaks, soaking 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.
Tendency
As the weather warms up, mostly small wet snow avalanches will be possible on steep grassy slopes.
Danger level
800m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
800m
Wind slab
Treeline
New fallen snow
On Thursday, precipitation started to appear, with rain outside the highest peaks. On Friday night, the precipitation intensified, the snow line quickly dropped and snow fell to the lowlands.
Snowpack
There is little old snow cover, with snow only on the highest peaks. 30-50 cm of New fallen snow has fallen during this snowfall, possibly more in the eastern part of Pohorje and Kobansko.
Tendency
As the weather warms up, mostly small wet snow avalanches will be possible on steep grassy slopes.
