Update of the avalanche report for Thursday 19 December 2024.

Isolated small danger zones in old snowpack at high altitudes.

all day it applies low avalanche danger, so danger level one.

all day, above 2000 meter, we have a persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects North-West to North to East. Furthermore, all day, we have a wet snow problem. This in all aspects.

Avalanche danger is low. In some places, weak layers persist in the old snowpack which can be triggered on few, very steep high altitude slopes in N-E aspects. Mostly, high additional loading will be necessary and avalanches tend to remain small. Small wet loose sluffs can trigger naturally. Small glide snow avalanches can release on steep smooth grass-covered slopes.

And now the snowpack:

At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is completely soaked, and at high altitudes superficially moist. During the night, a thin melt-freeze crust can form at the snowpack surface which softens again during the day. Where the snowpack borders the ground, it is often wet, in particular at intermediate altitudes; therefore it can start gliding over smooth ground. In the vicinity of thin rain crusts and melt-freeze crusts embedded in the snowpack at high altitudes there are layers consisting of faceted crystals; some of them are prone to triggering. Snow depths vary. Ridges and crests are blown bare; south-facing slopes are becoming increasingly bare. All in all, there is little snow.

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