The avalanche danger is rated as "considerable" above 1500 metres. New fallen snow and persistent wind lead to extensive snowdrift accumulations, some of which are prone to triggering. Avalanche prone locations are mainly in gullies, bowls and behind terrain edges and sometimes extend down into forest aisles. Aspects from east to south to west are particularly affected. In some places, the accumulation of drifting snow can be triggered by slight additional load as a mostly medium-sized slab avalanche.
Snowpack
Since Monday, up to 35 cm of new fallen snow has fallen in strong northerly winds. The resulting snowdrift accumulations, some of which are thick, are deposited on a largely stable old snowpack. There are weak layers in the wind-driven snow and occasionally, in shady high altitudes, also in the snow base, fundament (persistent weak layer problem).
Tendency
Clouds will continue to accumulate from the north on Thursday, with short snow showers still possible. Strong north-westerly winds are blowing, especially on the eastern edge of the Alps. The wind slab problem is slowly easing.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Still wind slab problem in the high altitudes!
The avalanche danger above the tree line is rated as "moderate". Above the tree line, fresh snowdrift accumulations can sometimes still be triggered as slab avalanches by low additional loads. Medium-sized avalanches are typically expected. The avalanche prone locations are on lee slopes behind terrain edges and in steep gullies and bowls.
Snowpack
Strong northerly winds are still forming fresh snowdrift accumulations. These are located on a mostly stable old snowpack. There are weak layers in the drift snow and occasionally, in shady high altitudes, also in the snow base, fundament (persistent weak layer problem).
Tendency
On Thursday, clouds will continue to accumulate from the north and a brisk north-westerly wind will blow. The avalanche risk will hardly change.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1500m
Low avalanche danger, but avoid fresh pillows of wind drifted snow!
The avalanche danger is assessed as "low". Nevertheless, isolated pillows of wind drifted snow can be triggered as small slab avalanches.
Snowpack
Persistent winds still lead to the formation of small pillows of wind drifted snow, which are deposited on a hard old snowpack and are usually sufficiently bonded to it. There is generally little snow.
Tendency
Thursday will be mostly cloudy with a persistent northerly wind. The avalanche risk remains low.
