High prone to triggering in wind slab, also naturally triggered avalanches
The avalanche risk is high above the tree line (4) and considerable below - a dangerous situation. Naturally triggered avalanches are possible and in many places slab avalanches can be triggered very easily (even from a distance) by individuals. 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 not easy to recognise everywhere, which is why caution and a very defensive choice of route is advised, which also takes into account catchment areas that cannot be seen. At low and medium altitudes, spontaneous wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
In addition to the already heavy snowfall since the weekend, heavy new fallen snow has been added in a short time and under the influence of new winds. It overlays the older wind slab snow of the previous days, which in turn lies on an unfavourable base of faceted crystals and deep frost. 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. Breaks occur primarily between the last snow packs, but can subsequently penetrate through to the coarse-grained old snow foundation. Current reports of large-scale whamming noises, among other things, confirm the unfavourable snow layering. At low and medium altitudes, heat and rainfall put additional strain on the snowpack.
Tendency
Further precipitation with a snowfall level around 1600 m on Monday. The situation remains precarious at the start of the week!
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
1400m
Wind slabs are easy to trigger, naturally triggered avalanches are also possible
The avalanche risk is considerable. Medium to large slab avalanches can be triggered very easily by individuals in some places. 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. The avalanche prone locations are not always easy to recognise. In low and medium altitudes, small to medium wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
In addition to the already abundant new snow of the previous days, more new fallen snow will be added in a short time. This layer of fresh snow is inhomogeneous due to repeated wind influences that vary in strength. 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. At low and medium altitudes, heat and rainfall put additional pressure on the snowpack.
Tendency
Further precipitation with a snowfall level around 1600 m on Monday. The situation remains precarious at the start of the week!
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
Treeline
Consistently avoid steep drift snow areas
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. The number and extent of avalanche prone locations increase rapidly with altitude, depending on the influence of the wind. Even a single person can trigger a medium-sized slab avalanche in some places. In particular, be careful near transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. The fresh drift snow is usually easy to recognise and should be consistently avoided.
Snowpack
The snow surface is strongly characterised by the wind; blown-off broad ridges and crests lie close to fields of drifting snow that are prone to triggering. This 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.
Tendency
Little change on Monday. The wind slab problem continues to require caution and restraint.
