Fresh fallen and frequently covered older snowdrift accumulations are easily triggered. Slab avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading and grow to medium-sized releases. Settling noises when treading the snowpack and fractures on the surface are indicators of imminent danger. Danger zones occur in wind-loaded steep terrain, behind sharp drops in the landscape, in gullies and bowls. In very steep terrain, loose-snow avalanches are possible due to solar radiation and daytime warming.
Snowpack
The fresh snow and drifts from recent days frequently blanket older snowdrift accumulations. Amid intermittently strong winds it will be transported and will generate new snowdrift masses. They are prone to triggering. Fresh snow and drifts often lie deposited atop soft layers of fresh fallen snow from precious days and blanket older drifts. The old snowpack is generally well consolidated and compact.
Tendency
Gradually receding avalanche danger
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Fresh snow and drifts prone to triggering
Fresh fallen snow and snowdrift accumulations are easily triggered. Slab avalanchess can be triggered by minimum additional loading and grow to medium-sized releases. Settling noises when treading the snowpack and fractures on the surface are indicators of imminent danger. Danger zones occur in wind-loaded steep terrain, behind sharp drops in the landscape, in gullies and bowls. Particularly in high-altitude west, north and east-facing slopes, avalanches can fracture down to ground-level layers of the snowpack and grow to large size. In very steep terrain, also loose-snow avalanches are possible due to solar radiation and daytime warming.
Snowpack
Fresh fallen snow and snowdrifts frequently lie deposited atop older snowdrift accumulations. Amid intermittently strong winds it will be transported and will generate new snowdrift masses, especially in high-altitude pass and ridgeline zones. They are prone to triggering. The mid-part of the snowpack consists of well-consolidated, compact layers which in shady slopes blanket a poorly-structured snowpack fundament.
