Avalanche report for Thursday 17 April 2025.

Wet snow requires caution. As the penetration by moisture increases natural avalanches are to be expected. Fresh wind slabs in the high Alpine regions.

all day it applies considerable avalanche danger, so danger level three.

all day, below 2800 meter, we have a wet snow problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East. Furthermore, all day, above 2800 meter, we have a wind slab problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to North-East.

As a consequence of the rain, the likelihood of natural wet avalanches being released will increase. The avalanche prone locations are to be found below approximately 2800 m. Especially on very steep west, north and east facing slopes natural avalanches are to be expected as the penetration by moisture increases. This applies in particular in case of releases originating from very steep high-altitude starting zones that still retain some snow. These can release the saturated snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases in the regions with a lot of snow. In some cases, the avalanches can reach areas without any snow cover in steep gullies. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from southeasterly directions, wind slabs will form above approximately 2800 m. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily. or in isolated cases naturally, especially on very steep shady slopes. This applies in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The conditions are unfavourable for backcountry touring.

And now the snowpack:

Up to 2600 m and above rain will fall. The weather conditions will give rise to extreme and thorough wetting of the snowpack in all aspects below approximately 2800 m. This situation will give rise to a loss of strength within the snowpack especially on west, north and east facing slopes. On steep sunny slopes as well as at low and intermediate altitudes only a little snow is now lying. High Alpine regions: 15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. From the Ortler Range via the Ultental to the Timmelsjoch and along the border with Veneto up to 50 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from southeasterly directions, further wind slabs will form. These are lying on soft layers on steep shady slopes.

The tendency for Friday 18 April 2025 indicates a decreasing avalanche danger.

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