Beware of fresh wind slab, avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below.
Avalanches in wind slabs can be triggered very easily by individuals, in particular in the aspects from west to north to east. Danger areas are located behind terrain edges as well as in steep gullies and bowls and in the forest boundary area. Avalanches can reach medium size, and avalanches can occasionally become large by tearing through deeper weak layers in the persistent weak layer.
Above 2000 m, in the aspects from west to north to east, medium and occasionally large, dry slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in persistent weak layers in a few places. Such avalanche prone locations are rare but often not recognisable in the terrain. Take particular care at the transitions from little to more snow.
In sunny conditions, small loose snow avalanches can usually be triggered from extremely steep sunny slopes.
Snowpack
30 to 40 cm of new fallen snow fell on Tuesday. New and wind slab snow lies in shady high areas on soft, faceted snow. Away from this, the snow has fallen on a melt-freeze crust. Deeper in the snowpack, faceted crystals can be found on a crust; close to the ground, the snowpack consists of angular, cup-shaped crystals. The connection at the transition to the deep snowpack near the ground is still poor. Deep and sunny middle layers were largely covered with snow before the snowfall.
Tendency
Gradual settlement of the snowdrift accumulations.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Freshly generated snowdrifts prone to triggering
Fresh snowdrifts are prone to triggering, can be triggered even by minimum additional loading as slab avalanches. Danger zones occur primarily in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and spread of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. If avalanches on high-altitude shady slopes fracture down to deeper weak layers, they can in isolated cases then grow to large size. Such avalanche prone locations occur primarily in spots where the snow is shallow or in transitions from shallow to deep snow.
Snowpack
The fresh snow from the weekend has already bonded well with the widespread melt-freeze crust. Surface hoar has frequently been blanketed by fresh snow on steep shady slopes. Fresh small-to-medium sized snowdrifts have been generated near ridgelines. The mid-level part of the snowpack consists of well-settled, compact layers widespread which on high-altitude shady slopes cover a poorly structured old snowpack fundament.
Tendency
Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly. Beware freshly generated snowdrift accumulations.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Avoid snowdrift accumulations.
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 metres and low below. Wind slabs are the main problem. This can be triggered as a small, and at higher altitudes also medium slab avalanche with low additional load. The avalanche prone locations are mainly in the steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines with aspects from west to north to east as well as in gullies and bowls.
On a few shaded steep slopes at high altitudes, medium slab avalanches can also be triggered in persistent weak layers with a high additional load, for example when surface avalanches penetrate to deep layers.
When exposed to sunlight, small loose snow avalanches release themselves from the rocky steep terrain.
Snowpack
Fresh and older wind slab lies partly prone to triggering on soft snow layers or a thin crust. In some cases, however, it also lies directly on a load-bearing, crusted can form surface of old snow with which it has bonded well. On shady slopes at higher altitudes, weak layers of faceted crystals can be found deep in the otherwise compact old snowpack. A thin melt-freeze crust forms overnight in the middle and southern slopes of the high altitudes, which quickly softens again during the day with the sun. The southern sides of the mid-altitudes quickly dry out again.
Tendency
The avalanche danger is slowly decreasing.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Pay attention to fresh wind slab, avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below.
In the aspects from west to north to south-east, avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in wind slabs. Danger areas are located behind terrain edges as well as in steep gullies and bowls and in the forest boundary area. Avalanches can occasionally reach medium size, and avalanches can occasionally become large when tearing through deeper weak layers in the persistent weak layer.
Above 2000 m, in the aspects from west to north to east, medium and occasionally large, dry slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in a few places. Such avalanche prone locations are rare but often not recognisable in the terrain. Take particular care at the transitions from little to more snow.
In sunlight, small loose snow avalanches can usually be triggered from extremely steep slopes.
Snowpack
15 to 30 cm of new fallen snow fell on Tuesday. New and wind slab snow lies in shady high areas on soft, faceted snow. Away from this, the snow has fallen on a melt-freeze crust. Deeper in the snowpack, faceted crystals can be found on a crust; close to the ground, the snowpack consists of angular, cup-shaped crystals. The connection at the transition to the deep snowpack near the ground is still poor. Deep and sunny middle layers were largely snowed out before the snowfall.
Tendency
Gradual settlement of the snowdrift accumulations.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1600m
New snow
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
New fallen snow with wind
Snowfall in the mountains ranged from 5 to 15 cm over the last two days, with slightly more in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karavanke Mountains. At the same time, a strong north-easterly wind is blowing, carrying fresh snow and building up new snow layers in the south and west. The new fallen snow is less able to adhere to the older snow base. The danger is higher especially on slopes and in gullies where the height of the New fallen snow is greater due to the snow layers.
In addition to new fallen snow, weak layers in the snowpack deeper in the snowpack are a problem. These weak layers are more numerous in the axis above the forest. In particular, a large avalanche can be triggered if the load exceeds the load-bearing capacity of these layers.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
As the weather cooled, the older snow base froze. Dry and light snow has fallen on harder ground and is now carried by the wind. During the snowfall, the local fall of graupel may also have provided a new weak layer. The snow will have already become somewhat thinner on sunny slopes due to the influence of the sun.
In the old snow cover, the layers of snow are mostly well connected, with a Crust on top, which mostly supports the skier's weight. Deep below the surface, there are several weak layers of faceted snow crystals and sheared grains.
Tendency
Friday will be quite clear at first, with some variable cloud in the afternoon. It will be a little less windy. During the day, snow will become lightly crusted on sunny slopes. The danger of avalanches will remain similar.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Moderate avalanche danger, but still a wind slab problem!
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. The main danger is fresh wind slabs in the north, east and south aspects. Adjacent to ridgelines, behind terrain edges and in entrances to steep gullies and bowls, smaller slab avalanches can sometimes be triggered by individuals. Medium-sized avalanches are also possible in the northern sector.
Snowpack
The snow base, fundament is largely stable. On the surface, there is fresh wind slab in places, some of which contains weak layers. Only in shady high altitudes does floating snow still weaken the snow layering.
Tendency
On Friday, sun and clouds will alternate with a moderate northerly wind. The wind slab problem subsides.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Fresh wind slab in the high altitudes!
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. The main danger is fresh wind slab, mainly in the south to west aspects. Medium-sized slab avalanches can sometimes be triggered by individuals on slopes that have been blown in, in particular adjacent to ridgelines, behind terrain edges and in entrances to steep gullies and bowls.
Snowpack
The snow base, fundament is largely stable. On the surface, there is fresh wind slab in places, some of which contains weak layers. Only in shady high altitudes does floating snow still weaken the snow layering.
Tendency
On Friday, sun and clouds will alternate with a moderate northerly wind. The wind slab problem is easing.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
More new fallen snow than expected. Watch out for fresh wind slab in the higher elevations!
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line. Especially at higher altitudes, there are avalanche prone locations in many aspects due to prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations. Slab avalanches can be triggered in places by even a small additional load and can sometimes reach medium size. In the steep terrain on shady slopes at high altitudes, there are still localised avalanche prone locations due to the problem of old snow. Occasional slab avalanches can still be triggered, especially in transitions from more to less snow.
Snowpack
Due to repeated snowfall in recent days and strong winds from different directions, there are prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations that do not bind sufficiently with the old snowpack. Settlement is progressing slowly. The old snowpack has settled, is moist up to high altitudes and is crusted can form on the surface and hard in places. The snow base, fundament is high and partly weakened on shady slopes. Low and widespread middle elevations are often bare or have very little snow.
Tendency
Despite some new fallen snow, the avalanche situation hardly changes.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Beware small fresh snowdrifts
Avalanche danger is moderate at higher altitudes, elsewhere danger is low. Fresh snowdrift accumulations require caution. They occur primarily in ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In addition. isolated avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall require caution.
Snowpack
The fresh snow from the weekend has already bonded well with the old snowpack surface. Fresh, mostly small-sized snowdrifts have been generated. The old snowpack is generally well-settled and compact.
Tendency
Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Low risk of isolated wet snow avalanches
The avalanche risk is low.
Above the tree line, small slab avalanches can be triggered in places on steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines with little additional load. In addition, in the entrance areas of steep gullies on shady slopes with a high additional load, small slabs of snow can also be triggered occasionally. The risk of being swept away and falling on icy surfaces that may be thinly covered with snow and therefore difficult to recognise generally outweighs the risk of burial.
Snowpack
The new and wind slab snow lies on a mostly well-settled old snowpack. Weak layers of overblown new fallen snow near the surface can be seen on a small scale. In the higher on shady slopes, there are still weak layers of large faceted crystals in the lower part of the snowpack, especially near the ground.
Low and sunny mid-altitude areas were largely snowed out before the snowfall.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
The danger of falling outweighs the danger of burial.
The avalanche risk is low. Wind slab is the main problem. Small slab avalanches can be triggered in places with little additional load. The few avalanche prone locations are mainly in the steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines in the west, north and east aspects as well as in gullies and bowls.
With sunlight, individual, small loose snow avalanches can detach themselves from the rocky steep terrain. Small gliding avalanches are possible on smooth, steep meadow slopes.
Snowpack
Small-scale wind slab is sometimes prone to triggering on soft new fallen snow or on a thin crust. In most cases, however, it is well bonded and lies directly on a load-bearing, crust-can-form surface of old snow or the previously apery ground. Overnight, a thin melt-freeze crust forms on the snow surface, which quickly softens again during the day in the sun. Overall, there is little snow.
Tendency
No change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Pay attention to local avalanche prone locations in exposed terrain!
The avalanche risk is predominantly low. Nevertheless, there are localised avalanche prone locations at higher altitudes in many aspects due to prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations. Slab avalanches can be triggered in places by even a small additional load. There are still localised avalanche prone locations on shady slopes at high altitudes due to the problem of old snow. Occasional slab avalanches can still be triggered, especially in transitions from more to less snow.
Snowpack
Due to repeated snowfall in the last few days and strong winds from different directions, there are prone to triggering snowdrift accumulations locally, which do not bind sufficiently with the old snowpack. Settlement is progressing slowly. The old snowpack has settled, is moist up to high altitudes and is crusted can form on the surface and hard in places. The snow base, fundament is high and partly weakened on shady slopes. Low and widespread middle elevations are often bare or have very little snow.
Tendency
Despite some new fallen snow, the avalanche situation hardly changes.
Danger level
1400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1400m
Beware of fresh wind slab, watch out for persistent weak layer problems in shady high altitudes.
The avalanche risk is still low.
Avalanche prone locations are mainly limited to fresh snowdrift accumulations in gullies and bowls as well as in steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines. These are small in scale and irregularly distributed due to the changing wind. They can be triggered as small slab avalanches by individual winter sports enthusiasts.
In addition, the persistent weak layer problem must still be taken into account in shady high altitudes. Weak layers in the lower snow layering can be prone to triggering locally.
Snowpack
The snowpack is mostly stable. There is a well-developed melt-freeze crust on which the fresh snow has deposited as wind slab. Due to wind transport, compact drift snow packs have formed locally, which are prone to triggering on a small scale.
In shady high altitudes, large, faceted crystals are still present in the persistent weak layer in places, weakening the foundation of the snowpack.
Below around 1400 m, and on south-facing slopes below around 1600 m, there is only a little snow.
Tendency
The avalanche risk remains the same. On Friday, the clouds will increase from the north and on Saturday it may snow a little from the low mountain range upwards.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Low avalanche danger, but still isolated avalanche prone locations due to fresh pillows of wind drifted snow!
The avalanche risk is low. Nevertheless, above the tree line, fresh pillows of wind drifted snow can occasionally be triggered by individuals as small slab avalanches. Avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and entrances to gullies and bowls, primarily in the north, east and south sectors.
Snowpack
The snow base, fundament is largely stable. There is fresh wind slab on the surface on a small scale. Only in shady high altitudes is the snow layering still weakened by isolated floating snow.
Tendency
On Friday, sun and clouds will alternate with a moderate northerly wind. The avalanche risk remains low.
