Avalanche Service Vorarlberg

Thursday 5 March 2026

Published 4 Mar 2026, 17:00:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m


Still weak old snow regionally in steep shady terrain

Avalanches can be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast, particularly in little-skied terrain in west-, north-, and east-facing aspects, as well as on steep sunny slopes above 2600m. Danger zones occur especially in spots where the snow is relatively shallow, and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Avalanches can trigger down to deeper layers inside the snowpack and grow to large size. A cautious route selection and maintaining safety distances between tourers in ascent and descent are recommended. On hard-frozen steep slopes, the danger of sliding and falling require special caution. During the course of the day, naturally triggered small wet-snow avalanches are possible on sunny, steep slopes. Avoid zones below glide cracks in the surface.

Snowpack

On shady slopes at higher altitudes there are large-sized cup-shaped crystals widespread in the lowermost part of the snowpack, without bonding. The fresh snow and drifts from last week blanket this poor fundament. Up to higher altitudes, a melt-freeze crust occurs, mostly capable of bearing loads until late afternoon. As a result of solar radiation and daytime warming, the snowpack softens during daytime hours.

Tendency

No significant change is anticipated. The persistent weak layer problem on shady high-altitude slopes will persist.


Danger level



Favorable conditions, with slight daytime rise in avalanche danger

Avalanche danger is predominantly low. Isolated danger zones occur particularly in extremely steep terrain. Small avalanche triggerings are mostly possible in relatively shallow-snow areas and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Beware the danger of sliding and falling on hard-frozen steep slopes. During the course of the day, naturally triggered small-sized avalanches are possible on sun-basked steep slopes. Avoid zones beneath glide cracks.

Snowpack

Snowpack predominantly well consolidated and stable following a night of clear skies with good outgoing radiation. A melt-freeze crust mostly capable of bearing loads. During the course of the day the uppermost layers will soften, particularly at low altitudes and on sunny slopes. No further triggerings in older weak layers of the snowpack were registered in recent days at the Avalanche Warning Service.

Tendency

Continuing favorable conditions, with a slight daytime rise in danger of wet-snow avalanches