Persistent weak layers
- Above 2,000 m
Considerable avalanche danger at high altitudes
Considerable avalanche danger at high altitudes
One single person can trigger slab avalanches in the old snow. If the fracture sweeps away the entire snowpack, the release can grow to medium size. Danger zones occur especially on steep shady slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Whumpf noises and fractures on the snowpack surface are alarm signals. Also remote triggerings cannot be ruled out. In addition, small-sized fresh snowdrifts require special caution in high altitude ridgeline terrain and pass zones. Activities in backcountry demand experience in evaluating the terrain and assessing dangers.
The fresh fallen snow and drifts from the most recent period of precipitation have settled further as a result of higher temperatures. Bonding to the often loosely-packed, faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface, often with surface hoar, continues to be moderate-to-poor in places. In addition, layers inside the recent fresh snow and drifts are often still prone to triggering.
Often sunny in the mountains, although cloudbanks will intermittently pass through (above the summits). Temperature at 2000m: 0-2 degrees; at 3000m: -5 degrees. Moderate southwesterly winds in high alpine regions and in the foehn-exposed mountains.
No significant change is anticipated. The old snow remains prone to triggering at high altitudes.
Bulletin data: Avalanche Warning Service Vorarlberg (CC BY 4.0)