Update of the avalanche report for Saturday 14 December 2024.

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow in isolated cases.

all day it applies above 2000 meter moderate avalanche danger, so danger level two, below low avalanche danger, so danger level one.

all day, above 2000 meter, we have a wind slab problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East. Furthermore, all day, above 2400 meter, we have a persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects North-West to North to East.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong southerly wind, mostly small wind slabs formed since Friday in some places. These can be released easily. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2000 m. In regions exposed to the foehn wind the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In isolated cases avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size, in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Especially slopes adjacent to ridgelines are unfavourable. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase in the high Alpine regions. They are difficult to recognise. 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. The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

And now the snowpack:

The snowpack is weak in some cases; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack, especially on northwest, north and northeast facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from southerly directions, mostly shallow wind slabs formed since Friday especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The fresh wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers. In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying.

The tendency for Sunday 15 December 2024 indicates an increasing avalanche danger.

Have a nice day and don't forget to be careful!