Update of the avalanche report for Thursday 19 December 2024.

Persistent weak layer at high altitudes: caution!

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 persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East. Furthermore, all day, below 2400 meter, we have a wet snow problem. Especially in the aspects South-East to South to South-West.

Avalanche danger abover 2400m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main danger: persistent weak layer Slabs can be triggered even by one single skier, particularly on W/N/E facing slopes, in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Avalanches can reach medium size During the course of the day, small wet-snow slides can trigger naturally due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, particularly on south-facing slopes below 2400m and in extremely steep terrain (>40°). In addition, small glide-snow avalanches are possible in all aspects at any time of day or night. Small slabs in the snowdrifts are triggerable only in few places: near ridglines, on shady slopes from minimum additional loading.

And now the snowpack:

In high alpine regions there are faceted layers inside the old snowpack which are often covered by hardened layers. In addition, there are still loose layers near the surface which are covered. At lower and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is moistened by higher temperatures, in places it is completely wet. Overnight a melt-freeze crust can form in these places which then softens up during the daytime. The snowpack currently evidences no marked weak layers. On grass-covered slopes and over rocky plates, the entire snowpack can start to glide.

The tendency for Friday 20 December 2024 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

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