Sadnig Group

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach large size. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m and in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation only isolated mostly small wet avalanches are possible below approximately 2400 m. Many starting zones have released the snow.

Shady slopes: Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be good. The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to softening of the snowpack in particular on very steep sunny slopes.

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches as before. Increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.