Avalanche report for Tuesday 18 March 2025.
Fresh wind slabs at high altitude.
all day it applies above 2400 meter moderate avalanche danger, so danger level two, below low avalanche danger, so danger level one.
all day, above 2400 meter, we have a wind slab problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to North-East.
Fresh wind slabs are in isolated cases prone to triggering. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on near-ridge north and west facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. They are easy to recognise. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases. Weak layers in the old snowpack can still be released in very isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in little used backcountry terrain above approximately 2200 m, especially on very steep shady slopes. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of moist loose snow slides being released will increase a little on extremely steep sunny slopes.
And now the snowpack:
Shady slopes: As a consequence of a moderate wind from easterly directions, mostly small wind slabs formed on Monday adjacent to ridgelines on north and west facing slopes. They are lying on unfavourable layers in particular on steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack on little used shady slopes. Sunny slopes: The solar radiation will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack on steep sunny slopes.
We have the following danger patterns: dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind, dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold.
The tendency for Wednesday 19 March 2025 indicates a steady avalanche danger.