Avalanche report for Thursday 26 December 2024.

The avalanche conditions are to some extent 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.

Avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach large size. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. In particular above approximately 2200 m the prevalence and size of these avalanche prone locations will increase. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint. In addition the sometimes new snow-covered wind slabs of the last few days in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls are easily triggered in some locations. On shady slopes the likelihood of avalanches is higher. 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. On extremely steep sunny slopes more small to medium-sized dry loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.

And now the snowpack:

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 weather will be mild. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes.

The tendency for Friday 27 December 2024 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

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