Avalanche.report Thursday 07.01.2021

Danger level

1600m

Avalanche Problem

Persistent weak layer

1600m

Persistent weak layer

1600m

As before, it is inadvisable to engage in backcountry touring and snowshoe hiking in steep terrain.

As a consequence of solar radiation, the natural avalanche activity will increase. 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.
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. The avalanche prone locations are widespread. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible.
In particular on steep grassy slopes medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large gliding avalanches are possible.

Snowpack

dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow

Towards its surface, the snowpack is unfavourably layered; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. Distinct weak layers exist in the snowpack in all aspects. Slopes adjacent to ridgelines are especially precarious. The more recent wind slabs are covered with new snow and therefore barely recognisable.
As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
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.