Older snowdrifts frequently still prone to triggering
Older snowdrifts are frequently still prone to triggering, can be triggered even by minimum additional loading as small-to-medium sized slab avalanches. Danger zones occur primarily on steep ridgeline north-facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and spread of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude, in high alpine regions they include west, east-facing slopes as well. If avalanches on high-altitude shady slopes fracture down to deeper weak layers, they can in isolated cases then grow to medium size. Such avalanche prone locations occur primarily in spots where the snow is shallow or in transitions from shallow to deep snow.
Snowpack
The snowdrift accumulations of last week have increasingly consolidated, especially on sunny slopes. Only at higher altitudes are they often deposited atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface, where they can be triggered. On steep south-facing slopes there is often a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads which softens up during daytime hours. 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 not expected to change significantly in the early part of the week.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Beware small snowdrifts
Avalanche danger is generally low. Caution is urged towards older snowdrift accumulations particularly in ridgeline terrain on north-facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In addition, isolated avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading in extremely steep terrain. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall require attentiveness.
Snowpack
The fresh small snowdrifts generated last week have bonded well with the old snowpack surface. On steep shady slopes, bonding is often only moderate. On steep south-facing slopes there is often a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads. The old snowpack is generally well-settled and compact.
Tendency
Avalanche danger not expected to change significantly in the early part of the week.
