Update of the avalanche report for Monday 23 December 2024.

As the day progresses as a consequence of new snow and wind there will be an increase in the avalanche danger. Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the lower part of the 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. This in all aspects. Furthermore, all day, above 2200 meter, we have a persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects North-West to North to East.

The fresh wind slabs will become increasingly prone to triggering. They can be released easily by a single winter sport participant in all aspects above the tree line. Individual, then as the day progresses more natural avalanches are to be expected. Avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of the new snow more frequent loose snow avalanches are to be expected. On very steep grassy slopes individual gliding avalanches are possible, but they will be mostly small.

And now the snowpack:

Up to 15 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Sunday. Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Monday. As a consequence of a gathering storm force wind from northerly directions, easily released wind slabs will form in the course of the day over a wide area. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack especially on west to north to southeast facing aspects. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

The tendency for Tuesday 24 December 2024 indicates an increasing avalanche danger.

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