Avalanche.report Saturday 27 04 2019

Regions
AT-07-21, AT-07-22, AT-07-23, AT-07-24

Danger level
Danger Level 3 - Considerable above 2600m
Danger Level 2 - Moderate above 2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow above 2600m, N-NE-E-NW
Gliding snow above 2600m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW

Fresh wind slabs at elevated altitudes. Loose snow avalanches as the day progresses.

As a consequence of fresh snow and wind, extensive wind slabs formed especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. They are prone to triggering in particular on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2600 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. These places are sometimes covered with fresh snow and are difficult to recognise. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more frequent small and medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. This applies on extremely steep slopes in all aspects. In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists, especially on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m.

Snowpack

dp 6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp 2: gliding snow

In particular on the Timmelsjoch and in neighbouring regions 30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell. Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow. will fall until the early morning above approximately 2000 m. The wind will be moderate. Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. The old snowpack will be wet all the way through at intermediate and high altitudes. At low altitude hardly any snow is lying.

Tendency

Fresh wind slabs in the high Alpine regions. Loose snow avalanches as the day progresses.

Regions
IT-32-TN-01, IT-32-TN-04, IT-32-TN-05, IT-32-TN-19

Danger level
Danger Level 3 - Considerable above 2200m
Danger Level 2 - Moderate above 2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow above 2200m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW
Wet snow above 3000m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW

Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint.

As a consequence of fresh snow and a strong southerly wind, deep wind slabs formed in the last three days in these regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2000 m. Bases of rock walls are especially precarious. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and restraint. On wind-loaded slopes and from starting zones at higher altitudes dry and moist avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases. As the day progresses as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation there will be a gradual increase in the danger of moist and wet avalanches. Single skiers can release avalanches in many places, including dangerously large ones. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility.

Snowpack

20 to 70 cm of snow. has fallen in the last three days above approximately 2400 m. As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind from southerly directions, deep wind slabs formed. The wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes. Large-grained weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack especially here. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack will only just freeze. In some cases fresh snow and wind slabs are lying on an old snowpack that is wet all the way through. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 3000 m as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2400 m.

Tendency

A sometimes critical avalanche situation will persist in some regions.

Regions
IT-32-TN-13, IT-32-TN-16

Danger level
Danger Level 3 - Considerable above 2400m
Danger Level 2 - Moderate above 2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow above 2400m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW
Wind-drifted snow above 2400m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Moist and wet avalanches are possible even now.

The fresh snow must be evaluated with care and prudence above approximately 2400 m. Dry avalanches can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases and reach medium size. In some places they can release the moist old snow as well and reach large size in some cases. As a consequence of warming during the day, the likelihood of moist and wet avalanches being released will increase in particular below approximately 2400 m. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

Snowpack

The old snowpack remains moist below approximately 2400 m. At low altitude no snow is lying. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack on shady slopes, especially between approximately 1900 and 2400 m.

Tendency

A sometimes critical avalanche situation will persist in some regions.

Regions
IT-32-BZ-07, IT-32-BZ-11, IT-32-BZ-14, IT-32-BZ-03, IT-32-BZ-04, IT-32-BZ-15, IT-32-BZ-05, IT-32-BZ-06

Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint.

As a consequence of fresh snow and a strong southerly wind, deep wind slabs formed in the last three days in these regions. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2200 m. Bases of rock walls are especially precarious. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and restraint. On wind-loaded slopes and from starting zones at higher altitudes dry and moist avalanches are possible. The avalanches can release the wet old snow as well and reach large size in isolated cases. As the day progresses as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation there will be a gradual increase in the danger of moist and wet avalanches. Single skiers can release avalanches in many places, including dangerously large ones. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility.

Snowpack

In particular from the Ortler Range via the Ulten Valley to the Passeier Tal 20 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen in the last three days above approximately 2400 m. As a consequence of a strong to storm force wind from southerly directions, deep wind slabs formed. The wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes. Large-grained weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack especially here. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced over a wide area. The surface of the snowpack will only just freeze. In some cases fresh snow and wind slabs are lying on an old snowpack that is wet all the way through. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 3000 m as well as on shady slopes below approximately 2400 m.

Tendency

A sometimes critical avalanche situation will persist in some regions.

Regions
IT-32-TN-14, IT-32-TN-17, IT-32-TN-06, IT-32-TN-11, IT-32-TN-10

Danger level
Danger Level 2 - Moderate above 2000m
Danger Level 1 - Low above 2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow above 2000m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW

As a consequence of warming during the day, the likelihood of wet loose snow avalanches being released will increase.

As a consequence of warming during the day, the likelihood of wet small and medium sized avalanches being released will increase in particular on north and northwest facing slopes at elevated altitudes.

Snowpack

The old snowpack will be wet all the way through at intermediate and high altitudes. In the Etschtal no snow is lying on south facing slopes.

Tendency

A sometimes critical avalanche situation will persist in some regions.

Regions
IT-32-BZ-16

Danger level
Danger Level 2 - Moderate above 2000m
Danger Level 1 - Low above 2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow above 2600m, N-NE-E-W-NW
Wind-drifted snow above 2200m, N-NE-NW

Wet small and medium sized avalanches.

As a consequence of warming during the day, the likelihood of wet small and medium sized avalanches being released will increase in particular on very steep shady slopes at intermediate and high altitudes. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

Snowpack

dp 10: springtime scenario

The old snowpack will be wet all the way through at intermediate and high altitudes. The fresh snow of Friday can be released naturally.

Tendency

Only a little snow is lying.

Regions
AT-07-20, AT-07-10, AT-07-11, AT-07-01, AT-07-12, AT-07-13, AT-07-02, AT-07-14, AT-07-03, AT-07-15, AT-07-04, AT-07-16, AT-07-05, AT-07-17, AT-07-06, AT-07-18, AT-07-07, AT-07-08, AT-07-19, AT-07-09

Danger level
Danger Level 2 - Moderate
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow above 2600m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW

Gliding avalanches are possible in isolated cases as before. Loose snow avalanches as the day progresses.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more frequent small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. This applies on extremely steep slopes in all aspects, in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation in particular.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists, especially on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m.

At elevated altitudes small wind slabs formed. They are in isolated cases prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.

Snowpack

dp 2: gliding snow
dp 10: springtime scenario

Over a wide area 10 to 15 cm of snow, and up to 20 cm in some localities, will fall until the early morning above approximately 2000 m. The old snowpack will be wet all the way through at intermediate and high altitudes. At low altitude hardly any snow is lying.

Tendency

Fresh wind slabs in the high Alpine regions. Loose snow avalanches as the day progresses.

Regions
AT-07-26, AT-07-27, AT-07-28, AT-07-29, AT-07-25

Danger level
Danger Level 2 - Moderate
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer above 2500m above 2000m, N-NE-NW
Wind-drifted snow above 2600m, N-NE-NW

Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist deep in the old snowpack. Loose snow avalanches as the day progresses. Fresh wind slabs in the high Alpine regions.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more frequent small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected. This applies on extremely steep slopes in all aspects, in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation in particular. On steep shady slopes wet avalanches can be triggered in deep layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases, especially between approximately 2000 and 2500 m in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. Such avalanche prone locations are rare but are barely recognisable.

In addition mostly small wind slabs formed at elevated altitudes. They are in some cases prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.

Snowpack

dp 1: deep persistent weak layer
dp 6: cold, loose snow and wind

Over a wide area 10 to 15 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until the early morning above approximately 2000 m. In the south less snow will fall. The old snowpack will be wet all the way through at intermediate and high altitudes. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. At low altitude hardly any snow is lying.

Tendency

Slight increase in danger of dry avalanches. Fresh wind slabs in the high Alpine regions. Loose snow avalanches as the day progresses.

Regions
IT-32-BZ-18, IT-32-BZ-19, IT-32-BZ-08, IT-32-BZ-09, IT-32-BZ-20, IT-32-BZ-10, IT-32-BZ-12, IT-32-BZ-01, IT-32-BZ-13, IT-32-BZ-02, IT-32-BZ-17

Danger level
Danger Level 2 - Moderate
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow above 3000m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW
Wind-drifted snow above 2600m, N-NE-E-W-NW

As the day progresses, wet and gliding avalanches are possible. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Below approximately 3000 m small and medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible. These can in isolated cases penetrate down to the ground and reach quite a large size. As a consequence of fresh snow and a strong southwesterly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west to north to east facing wind-loaded slopes above approximately 2200 m. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) avalanche prone locations are more widespread and the danger is slightly greater. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small and medium-sized dry and wet avalanches are possible.

Snowpack

In some regions up to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of a sometimes strong southwesterly wind, wind slabs formed adjacent to ridgelines as well as at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced. The surface of the snowpack has frozen to form a strong crust only at high altitudes and will soften quickly. This applies in particular on steep north facing slopes below approximately 2600 m, and elsewhere below approximately 3000 m.

Tendency

In some regions increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of the precipitation. In many cases fresh snow and wind slabs are lying on a moist old snowpack. The fresh snow and wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. In addition moist and wet avalanches are possible. In the regions exposed to rain caution is to be exercised in particular.

Regions
IT-32-TN-02, IT-32-TN-08, IT-32-TN-07, IT-32-TN-09, IT-32-TN-20, IT-32-TN-21

Danger level
Danger Level 2 - Moderate
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow above 2400m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW
Wind-drifted snow above 2400m, N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW

Moist and wet avalanches are still possible.

The fresh snow must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on northeast to north to northwest facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. Dry avalanches can in isolated cases be released, in particular by large loads and reach medium size. In some places they can release the moist old snow as well and reach large size in some cases. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of moist and wet avalanches being released will increase in particular below approximately 2400 m. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. In particular in regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.

Snowpack

Tendency

A sometimes critical avalanche situation will persist in some regions.

Regions
IT-32-TN-12, IT-32-TN-15, IT-32-TN-03, IT-32-TN-18

Danger level
Danger Level 1 - Low
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow above 2600m, N-NE-E-W-NW

Wet small and medium sized avalanches.

Snowpack

The old snowpack will be wet all the way through at intermediate and high altitudes. Only a little snow is lying on south facing slopes.

Tendency

The backcountry touring conditions remain spring-like.