Avalanche forecast

Caution urged on steep, shady ridgeline slopes and transitions from shallow to deep snow

Caution urged on steep, shady ridgeline slopes and transitions from shallow to deep snow

Quite favorable conditions reign overall. Isolated avalanche prone locations occur on steep shady ridge slopes and behind protruberances, as well as in transitions from shallow to deep snow above 2200 m, where isolated snowdrift accumulations generated over the last few days can still be triggered, mainly by large additional loading. Caution also urged towards large cornices. On steep sunny slopes, predominantly small-sized loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. As a result of daytime warming and solar radiation, glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep sunny slopes below 2200 m more than anywhere else.

The night was star-studded and it was cold, so the south-facing slopes could form a melt-freeze crust (generally capable of bearing loads, on SE/SW facing slopes, not) On NE/N/NW slopes there is still loose snow. Above 2200m on north-facing slopes the snowpack is expansively metamorphosed (faceted). Near ridges on very steep slopes and in transitions from shallow to deep snow above 2200 m on W/N/E facing sleops there are isolated weak layers embedded inside the snowpack which are prone to triggering. In the old snowpack at high altitudes on shady slopes there are also weak layers locally, but these are unlikely to trigger. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moist, which enhances the gliding movement of the entire snowpack over very steep grass-covered slopes.

Sunshine and low temperatures due to a NE air current, colder than usual for this juncture of the season. In wind-protected zones the March sun is powerfully warm. At 2000 m: -8 degrees. Moderate NE winds at high altitude.

The Weather Service forecast fine, sunny weather until next Wednesday. The favorable avalanche situation will persist.