Friday 29.04.2022
Published 28 04 2022, 17:00
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow

2000m

Gliding snow

2000m

 

The avalanche conditions are spring-like. Wet and gliding snow require caution.
From origins in starting zones where no previous releases have taken place more moist and wet avalanches are possible as the day progresses, even medium-sized ones. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep slopes and in all aspects at intermediate and high altitudes. As a consequence of the rain the prevalence and size of the avalanche prone locations will increase by late in the night. Most and wet avalanches can to an increasing extent be released by people. These can in some cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach medium size. This applies in particular on extremely steep shady slopes and at elevated altitudes, as well as on near-ridge sunny slopes as well as at high altitude.

In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. The current avalanche situation calls for meticulous route selection. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Backcountry tours should be started and concluded early.
Snowpack
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As a consequence of high temperatures, rain up to high altitudes and the light to moderate wind, the snowpack can not consolidate during the next few days. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced. Up to high altitudes rain will fall in the next few hours over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack will freeze very little and will soften quickly. At intermediate altitudes there are 40 to 150 cm of snow, and even more in some localities. In particular on shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions there is still a very large amount of snow.

The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the high Alpine regions, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.
Tendency
On Saturday it will be cloudy. Some rain will fall. The danger of moist and wet avalanches will not decrease for the time being.