Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
2000m
New snow
2000m
A lot more new snow than expected: At intermediate and high altitudes the avalanche danger is considerable (level 3).
New snow and wind slabs are to be critically assessed. Moist snow slides and gliding avalanches are likely to occur from the middle of the day.
The cold fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs formed during the snowfall can be released easily, or, in isolated cases naturally in all aspects above approximately 2000 m. These can in many places be released by small loads and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas and at transitions into gullies and bowls. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong northwesterly wind, large surface-area wind slabs formed by the early morning also in areas not adjacent to ridgelines. The new snow of the last seven days can be released easily also on wind-protected shady slopes. Mostly the avalanches in these loacations are small.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected from midday, even medium-sized ones.
The wind slabs are to be bypassed in particular on steep sunny slopes. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected from midday, even medium-sized ones.
The wind slabs are to be bypassed in particular on steep sunny slopes. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.
Snowpack
>Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow fell in the past few hours above approximately 2000 m. The sometimes strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. The snowpack will be prone to triggering in particular on wind-loaded slopes. The more recent wind slabs are lying on a crust on steep sunny slopes. They are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to gradual moistening of the snowpack in all aspects at low and intermediate altitudes.
Tendency
Gradual increase in danger of dry avalanches as the snowfall becomes more intense.