The State of Vorarlberg on the Internet

• Snowpack stability:
  The snowpack is only moderately bonded on some steep slopes* - otherwise generally secure.
• Avalanche probability:
  An avalanche is likely to be triggered in the event of high levels of additional stress - particularly on the steep slopes specified*. Large spontaneous avalanches are not expected.
• Implications for skiers:
  Favourable conditions for ski tours, taking into account local hazard spots.
  

• Snowpack stability:
  The snowpack is only moderately or poorly bonded on many steep slopes*.
• Avalanche probability:
  An avalanche is likely to be triggered even in the event of low levels of additional stress - particularly on the steep slopes specified*. Occasional instances of some spontaneous medium-sized avalanches, isolated instances of large avalanches.
• Implications for skiers:
  Ski tours require experienced avalanche assessment; limited touring potential.
  

• Snowpack stability:
  The snowpack is poorly bonded on most steep slopes*.
• Avalanche probability:
  An avalanche is likely to be triggered even in the event of low levels of additional stress ** on numerous steep slopes. Instances of many spontaneous medium-sized avalanches, and in many cases large avalanches, can be expected.
• Implications for skiers:
  Ski tours require highly experienced avalanche assessment. Extremely limited touring potential.

• Snowpack stability:
  The snowpack is generally poorly bonded and thereby largely unstable.
• Avalanche probability:
  Many large spontaneous avalanches can be expected, even in moderately steep areas.
• Implications for skiers:
  Ski tours and off-piste skiing are generally not possible.

*  avalanche hazard areas are generally described in more detail in the avalanche status report (e.g. altitude, exposure, terrain)
Technical terms and definitions are listed in the glossary on www.avalanches.org.
Since 2003 new definitions have applied for additional stresses (high: e.g. even for single skier; low: e.g. for a group maintaining intervals of release), the angle of slopes and the size of avalanches.