Avalanche report for Saturday 4 January 2025.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. Gliding avalanches are still possible.

all day it applies above the treeline moderate avalanche danger, so danger level two, 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 North-East. Furthermore, all day, we have a gliding snow problem. Especially in the aspects East to South to West.

The fresh wind slabs of the last few days represent the main danger. As a consequence of a sometimes strong wind from westerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. These can be released even by a single winter sport participant. Caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes in areas close to the tree line and above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are especially unfavourable. Isolated small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided. Avalanches can additionally in very isolated cases be released in the weakly bonded old snow. These avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m, caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Avalanches can reach medium size.

And now the snowpack:

15 to 25 cm of snow has fallen. The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow. Shady slopes: The snowpack consists of faceted crystals and has a loosely bonded surface. The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers. Steep sunny slopes: The snowpack consists of faceted crystals and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

The tendency for Sunday 5 January 2025 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

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