Avalanche.report Wednesday 06.01.2021

Danger level

Avalanche Problem

Persistent weak layer

It is inadvisable to engage in backcountry touring and snowshoe hiking in steep terrain.

The new snow and wind slabs are very prone to triggering. Medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry slab avalanches are possible in all aspects. Even single backcountry tourers can release avalanches in many places, caution is to be exercised on steep slopes also below the tree line.
Older wind slabs are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. The avalanche prone locations are widespread. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint are required.
In particular on steep grassy slopes small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible.

Snowpack

dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow

Distinct weak layers exist in the snowpack in all aspects. The new snow-covered wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Some snow will fall in the next few hours. The new snow will be deposited on soft layers in all aspects. Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

Tendency

A very precarious avalanche situation will prevail. The weather conditions will prevent a rapid change towards better conditions.

Danger level

Avalanche Problem

Persistent weak layer

Wind-drifted snow

Treeline

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be critically assessed.

Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack can be released in some places by individual winter sport participants, especially in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. In addition the sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs should be taken into account. They can be released by a single winter sport participant especially on steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions, caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In some cases the avalanches are medium-sized.

Snowpack

dp.1: deep persistent weak layer

The various wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places. The wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. In some places relatively hard layers of snow are lying on soft layers.
Steep shady slopes: The old snowpack will be prone to triggering in some places. Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals.

Tendency

The avalanche danger will persist.