Avalanche report for Friday 20 December 2024.

Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

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 2200 meter, we have a persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects North-West to North to East.

The extensive wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, on northwest to north to southeast facing aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Their prevalence will increase with altitude. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. Whumpfing sounds and shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Isolated natural avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and stormy weather. Avalanches can in isolated cases penetrate deep layers and reach dangerously large size. This applies in particular on very steep north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Especially slopes adjacent to ridgelines are unfavourable. Isolated mostly small gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes.

And now the snowpack:

Over a wide area 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until midday. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs that are being formed by the sometimes strong northwesterly wind will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack especially on north and east facing slopes. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on a crust on steep sunny slopes and generally at low and intermediate altitudes. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack at high altitude.

The tendency for Saturday 21 December 2024 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

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