Rapid increase in avalanche risk as the temperature rises during the day and solar radiation increases.
The avalanche danger increases rapidly from moderate to considerable below 2500 metres.
Small and medium, damp and wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs are to be expected in all aspects below around 2500 m during the day. Wet avalanches can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts.
Gliding avalanches are to be expected on typical slopes.
In a few places above 2200 m, snow slabs can also be triggered in persistent weak layers, especially on west-, north- and east-facing slopes, and also south-facing slopes in the high Alps. Snow slabs can reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.
Occasionally, avalanches can tear through to the floating snow close to the ground and become large.
Snowpack
The melt-freeze crust in the morning softens quickly during the daytime changes. Heat and moisture are increasingly penetrating the snowpack, with only shady high and high alpine locations still having dry snow on the surface. At medium altitudes, the snow cover is already very wet down to the ground. On shady slopes from around 2200 metres upwards, the old snowpack contains angular shapes and deep rime. Fractures are most likely to occur on one of the uppermost crusts, and only occasionally in the floating snow close to the ground. Some of the snow glides off the ground.
Tendency
Little change.
EARLIER Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wet snow
LATER Danger level
2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
2400m
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Daytime cycle of avalanche danger. Near-surface weak layers can often be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts.
Avalanche danger increases during the daytime despite the persistent weakness of the snowpack (even during the morning hours) due to lack of nocturnal outgoing longwave radiation and higher temperatures over the last few days. In very steep sunny terrain, likelihood of moist and wet-snow avalanches triggering will increase. They will remain mostly medium-sized. On steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches are possible. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided. In addition, winter sports enthusiasts can trigger near-surface weak layers on high-altitude shady slopes. Danger zone are impossible to recognize and tend to increase slightly over the course of the day due to rising daytime temperatures. If near-surface avalanches fracture down to deeper layers inside the snowpack, they can in isolated cases grow to large size.
Snowpack
The transformation process of the fresh fallen snow from last week into firn-snow is not yet completed, depending on altitude and aspect. Noctunal longwave outgoing radiation leads to the surface re-freezing, generates a (sometimes) solid melt-freeze crust which then softens up during the daytime. On high-altitude shady steep slopes there are unfavorable intermediate layers in the uppermost metre of the snowpack which in places can be triggered. A solid mid-part of compact layers inside the snowpack blankects a fundament of buried hoar and faceted crystals.
Tendency
Over the next few days, a daytime rhythm of avalanche danger will set in.
EARLIER Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Persistent weak layers are still to be observed in the higher elevations.
The avalanche danger below 2000 m increases from low to moderate during the daytime changes. Above that, it is moderate all day. With sunshine, wet snow becomes the main problem. Especially in extremely steep terrain, wet loose snow and slab avalanches release themselves. Wet gliding avalanches can also occur at any time in all aspects on steep slopes with smooth ground that have not yet been discharged. Wet avalanches reach medium size and can hit exposed hiking trails.
Persistent weak layers are also problematic at high altitudes. In the aspects from north-west to north to east, medium slab avalanches can be triggered on very steep slopes by low additional loads. Be careful at the transition from a little to a lot of snow.
Snowpack
Overnight, the snow surface usually freezes through with a load-bearing capacity. At high altitudes, there are potential weak layers, especially on shady slopes, in the area of crusts in the upper metres of the snowpack. The snowpack base is still dry at high altitudes and often consists of faceted crystals, while at medium altitudes it is usually wet. On the south side, the base pales again at low altitudes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will hardly change on Wednesday.
EARLIER Danger level
2200m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Wet snow
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
2200m
During the daytime changes, wet avalanches are more likely to be triggered.
From around 2200 m there is a moderate avalanche risk, below this it increases from low to moderate during the day.
Small and medium, damp and wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs are to be expected in all aspects below around 2500 m during the day. Wet avalanches can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts.
Gliding avalanches are to be expected on typical slopes.
In a few places above 2200 m, snow slabs can also be triggered in the extended northern sector in weak persistent layers and reach medium size.
Snowpack
The morning melt-freeze crust softens during the day changes. Heat and moisture increasingly penetrate the snowpack, with dry snow still on the surface only at shady high altitudes. At mid-altitude, the snow is already wet down to the ground. On shady slopes from around 2200 metres upwards, the old snowpack contains angular shapes and deep rime. Fractures are most likely to occur on one of the uppermost crusts and only rarely in the floating snow near the ground. Some of the snow glides off the ground.
Tendency
Little change.
EARLIER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
LATER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet snow
Blown snow
New fallen snow and blowing snow are the main dangers. The snowpack stability is reduced, especially on slopes and in ravines, where the snow thickness is greater due to snow accumulations.
In addition to new fallen snow, weak layers in the snowpack deeper in the snowpack can be a local problem. These weak layers are more common in the axis above the forest. In particular, a medium-sized avalanche can be triggered by a large load exceeding the load-bearing capacity of these layers.
Snowpack
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The last snowfall was accompanied by a strong northerly wind, which blew the snow down to the old base in many places and created snowdrift accumulations in the leeward slopes. In some places, these are on top of a layer of Graupel, which is a potentially dangerous Weak layer. Locally, the layers of Graupel are 5-10 cm thick, possibly more.
In the old snow cover, the snow layers are mostly well interconnected. Deep below the surface, several weak layers of faceted snow crystals and sheared grains occur, which are more frequent on axial slopes.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will remain similar, with a few more spontaneously triggered wet snow avalanches expected during the mid-day and afternoon on Tuesday.
It will cool down on Wednesday. There will be some clouds at first, clearing during the day. It will be windy, especially in the high alpine regions.
EARLIER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Watch out for naturally triggered avalanches during the day!
The avalanche risk is generally low at first. During the daytime changes, it soon increases to moderate, depending on altitude and aspect. Attention should then be paid to spontaneous small to medium wet loose snow or slab avalanches from undischarged steep terrain. Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be addressed, in particular in shady, extreme terrain at high altitudes, especially due to large additional loads. Individual small gliding avalanches cannot be ruled out.
Snowpack
Overnight, the surface of the settled snowpack can firmness and is then initially of varying hardness and crust can form. Depending on the altitude and aspect, it then softens with incoming radiation. The snowpack is moist to wet on the inside. However, weak layers may still be present in the old snowpack, which is not yet moist, especially on shady slopes and at high altitudes. In places, the snowpack on the ground may start to glide.
Tendency
No significant change in the avalanche risk.
EARLIER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Spontaneous wet snow avalanches are still possible from midday!
The avalanche risk is subject to daytime changes. The snowpack is compact in the morning. However, this quickly loses firmness. Wet slab avalanches and loose snow avalanches can then release spontaneously. Wet slab avalanches in gullies and bowls caused by an alpinist cannot be ruled out.
Snowpack
Due to the cooling and outgoing longwave radiation, the firmness of the snowpack at higher altitudes increases again somewhat. At medium altitudes the snowpack remains moist, at low altitudes it is wet. In the Rax- Schneeberg area, there is little snow below 1400 metres.
Tendency
Wednesday will be very sunny. It will be a few degrees cooler. The avalanche danger remains the same.
EARLIER Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wet snow
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Strong increase in avalanche danger already in the morning!
Gradual increase in avalanche danger during the daytime changes
The avalanche risk increases from low to moderate during the course of the day. After generally favourable conditions in the morning, the danger of naturally triggered avalanches increases as the sun shines and the weather warms up. Medium-sized and occasionally large wet loose snow and slab avalanches are to be expected in particular on sunny slopes. In addition, gliding avalanches can occur at any time on steep slopes with smooth ground.
In extremely steep, shady areas above 2000 m, small to medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals (persistent weak layer problem).
Snowpack
With outgoing longwave radiation, the snow surface can consolidate somewhat, but softens again with sunlight. The hardness of the surface varies depending on the wind. With increasing moisture penetration, the snowpack loses firmness and stability. In addition to loose snow avalanches, spontaneous, wet slab avalanches can also be expected, as liquid water in the snowpack can reactivate former weak layers in the persistent weak layer. In very steep areas with a wet layer in the transition to the ground, the snowpack can slide off.
Only in very shady areas above 2000 m does the snowpack still have cold reserves and, in some cases, persistent weak layers in the old snow that are prone to triggering.
Tendency
On Wednesday, sunny and slightly cooler mountain weather will prevail again. The north-westerly wind will ease slightly. The avalanche risk will not change significantly.
EARLIER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Main danger: wet-snow avalanches
Avalanche danger is low in the morning and rises to moderate during the course of the day. On steep slopes with lots of snow and a smooth underground which have not yet discharged, glide-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night in all aspects. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided. Due to daytime warming and solar radiation, wet loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally, particularly on extremely steep slopes. Avalanches can grow to medium size and place exposed hiking trails at risk.
Snowpack
The snowpack was weakened over the last few days due to lack of nocturnal outgoing radiation, local rain showers and daytime warming. It is thoroughly wet widespread.
Tendency
Over the next few days, a daytime rhythm of avalanche danger will set in.
EARLIER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
The southern sides are slowly becoming pale again.
The avalanche risk is low in the morning and increases to moderate during the daytime changes. Gliding avalanches can occur at any time of day in all aspects on steep slopes with smooth ground that have not yet been discharged. Glide cracks indicate the danger. With sunlight, wet snow becomes the main problem during the day changes. Especially in extremely steep terrain, wet loose snow avalanches release themselves. Avalanches can reach medium size and hit exposed hiking trails.
Snowpack
Overnight, the snow surface freezes solid. The snowpack is completely soaked up to high altitudes. At lower altitudes, the south-facing slopes are thawing out again.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will hardly change on Wednesday.
EARLIER Danger level
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Few small wet avalanches.
The avalanche risk is low. As the weather warms up and when there is plenty of sunshine, small wet avalanches can occur spontaneously or be triggered by a winter sports enthusiast. Gliding avalanches also occur occasionally.
Snowpack
The morning melt-freeze crust softens during the day. The snowpack is moist to wet right down to the ground. The snow cover is thinning rapidly.
Tendency
Little change.
EARLIER Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Low avalanche danger, but watch out for spontaneous wet snow slides!
The avalanche risk is low. Nevertheless, small, wet loose snow slides and occasional small gliding avalanches are to be expected during the day (wet snow problem).
In extremely steep, shady areas above 2000 m, small to medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered very occasionally (persistent weak layer problem).
Snowpack
With outgoing longwave radiation, the snow surface can consolidate somewhat, but softens again with sunlight. The thin snowpack becomes damp or wet in all areas and loses firmness or can start to glide on a slippery surface.
Only in very shady areas above 2000 metres does the snowpack still have small cold reserves and occasional weak layers in the persistent weak layer.
In general, there is very little snow and lower altitudes are increasingly thinning out.
Tendency
On Wednesday, the mountain weather will be sunny again and a touch cooler. The avalanche risk will not change significantly.
EARLIER Danger level
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
During the daytime changes, wet avalanches are more likely to be triggered.
The avalanche risk is low. During the daytime changes, the triggering of wet avalanches increases slightly. Wet avalanches can mainly come from multiple starting zones that are not yet fully discharged. These are usually small but can also be easily triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts. The risk of being swept away and falling should be taken into account.
Snowpack
The outgoing longwave radiation at night is quite good. The snow surface freezes solid and softens during the day changes. Sun and heat lead to increasing soaking of the snowpack.
Rather snow-poor shady slopes above around 1900 m: The lower part of the snowpack is faceted.
There is hardly any snow on steep sunny slopes at low and medium altitudes.
