With the mild weather, moisture penetration into the snowpackSnow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary is well advanced. At present, north-facing slopes at altitudes between 2200 and 2600 m are most susceptible to moisture penetration. On east- and west-facing slopes, the critical altitudes are somewhat higher, at approximately between 2500 and 2800 m. On south-facing slopes, moisture penetration extends as far as the high alpine regionsAreas above approximately 3000 m (particularly glaciated areas).EAWS glossary. It is especially on these aspectsDirection in which a slope faces as indicated by compass direction of the fall line; i.e. a north slope faces in a northerly direction.EAWS glossary and at these critical altitudes that isolated large or occasionally even very large wet slab avalanchesThe abrupt release of a slab of snow on a mountain slope. After crack initiation and crack propagation in a weak layer the released slab comprises 3 elements: The weak layer, the gliding horizon and the slab. If the slope angle is steep enough, the slab will glide down. If the slope is not steep enough, the slab will settle down on the failed weak layer. Possibly a whumpf sound will follow due to air pressed out of the weak layer. The fracture line will be sharp edged.EAWS glossary may be triggered naturally. In Grisons in particular, the weak layersSnowpack layer in which the crystals are poorly bonded and the layer has the potential to fail. Typical crystals in dry weak layers causing avalanches are : precipitation particles; surface hoar; faceted crystals; hollow crystals; graupel. Generally >1mm in size, loose grains with few bonds Wet weak layers can be formed by all snow crystal/grain types.EAWS glossary in the old snowpackSnow layers deposited from earlier precipitation, prior to fresh fallen snow. Old snow layers consist of metamorphosed snow crystals.EAWS glossary are the least deeply buried, and it is here that wet slab avalanches are likely also to be triggered by human activity. WhumpfingDistinctive noise (resembling a “whumpf” sound) occurring when a weak layer beneath a slab collapses. The air of the weak layer is forced outside the snowpack, with the resulting whumpf sound being heard. The sound usually indicates an unstable situation and can be accompanied by surface cracking. A whumpf is a clear avalanche alert.EAWS glossary sounds continue to be a possible indication of a weak snowpack.

At higher altitudes, where the snow coverSnow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary is still dry, the weak layersSnowpack layer in which the crystals are poorly bonded and the layer has the potential to fail. Typical crystals in dry weak layers causing avalanches are : precipitation particles; surface hoar; faceted crystals; hollow crystals; graupel. Generally >1mm in size, loose grains with few bonds Wet weak layers can be formed by all snow crystal/grain types.EAWS glossary in the old snowpackSnow layers deposited from earlier precipitation, prior to fresh fallen snow. Old snow layers consist of metamorphosed snow crystals.EAWS glossary must continue to be assessed with caution. However, dry avalanches have been rare in recent days.

The night into Saturday was mostly clear. During the day it was mostly sunny with high cloud and some cumulus clouds developing in the afternoon.

Fresh snow

-

Temperature

At midday at 2000 m around +8 °C

Wind

Mostly light, sometimes moderate from westerly directions

The night into Sunday will be partly cloudy. During the day it will be mostly cloudy in the northeast and showers and thunderstorms are possible. The snowfall level will drop from around 2200 m to 1900 m. In the south and west it will be partly cloudy. Isolated showers are possible, but sunny spells are also to be expected.

Fresh snow

In the north, 5 to 10 cm is possible above 2500 m. Locally, there may also be heavier precipitation in the form of showers.

Temperature

At midday at 2000 m, between + 3 °C in the northeast and + 6 °C in the west and south

Wind

Light to moderate from the northwest, becoming stronger in the afternoon

In the west and south it will be quite sunny after mostly clear nights. In the northeast there will be somewhat more cloud and it will only be partly sunny. As the day progresses, isolated showers are possible.

The danger of dry avalanches will not change significantly.

The danger of wet avalanches will increase during each day. Off-piste skiing and hut ascents should be completed in good time.