Avalanche report for Sunday 15 December 2024.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow in isolated cases.

all day it applies above the treeline considerable avalanche danger, so danger level three, below low avalanche danger, so danger level one.

all day, above the treeline, we have a wind slab problem. Especially in the aspects North-West to North to South-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 new snow and a sometimes strong wind from northerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on northwest to north to southeast facing aspects above the tree line, but in isolated cases also in areas close to the tree line. Such avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. Individual natural avalanches are possible. Avalanches can reach medium size. Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can be triggered in the old snowpack and reach dangerously large size, in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Especially slopes adjacent to ridgelines are unfavourable. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase in the high Alpine regions.

And now the snowpack:

Over a wide area 5 to 10 cm of snow, and up to 15 cm in some localities, will fall until the afternoon. The wind will be strong in some cases. The wind will transport the fresh and old snow. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on unfavourable layers. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack, especially on northwest, north and east facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying.

The tendency for Monday 16 December 2024 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

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