Avalanche report for Friday 27 December 2024.

Weakly bonded old snow represents 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 2200 meter, we have a wind slab problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East. Furthermore, all day, below 2600 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 in isolated cases. 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 more recent wind slabs of the last few days in particular adjacent to ridgelines are capable of being triggered in some cases still. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on west to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are to be expected on steep grassy slopes, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. On extremely steep sunny slopes individual mostly small moist loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.

And now the snowpack:

Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. The more recent wind slabs are lying on soft layers on west to north to east facing aspects at elevated altitudes. 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 sunny slopes.

The tendency for Saturday 28 December 2024 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

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