Avalanche report for Wednesday 25 December 2024.

The avalanche conditions are precarious. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

all day it applies above 2200 meter considerable avalanche danger, so danger level three, below moderate avalanche danger, so danger level two.

all day, above 2200 meter, we have a persistent weak layer problem. This in all aspects. Furthermore, all day, above the treeline, we have a wind slab problem. This in all aspects. Furthermore, all day, below 2400 meter, we have a gliding snow problem. Especially in the aspects East to South to West.

Attention, a special warning: Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution and restraint. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases.

The fresh snow and in particular the extensive wind slabs can be released very easily in all aspects at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach large size. In particular above approximately 2200 m the prevalence and size of such avalanche prone locations will increase. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for great caution and restraint. On extremely steep sunny slopes small to medium-sized dry loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of solar radiation. Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are to be expected on steep grassy slopes, in the regions exposed to a lot of new snow in particular in the north. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

And now the snowpack:

Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow has fallen since Saturday. The wind was strong at times. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m.

The tendency for Thursday 26 December 2024 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

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