Avalanche.report

Thursday 14.01.2021

Published14 01 2021, 08:00


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline


Increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects, also below the tree line. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally as the day progresses. Avalanches can in many places be released very easily and reach large size in isolated cases. Natural avalanches are possible on wind-loaded slopes. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high) the avalanche danger is higher.
Additionally in isolated cases avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Especially places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are treacherous. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Backcountry touring calls for great caution and restraint.

Snowpack

dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow

In the north and in the northwest 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until the evening, in particular along the border with Tirol and Begin: South Tyrol. In the southeast a little new snow. The sometimes storm force wind will transport the new snow significantly. The brittle wind slabs will be deposited on unfavourable layers.
Precarious weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

Tendency

The avalanche conditions are to some extent treacherous. Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline


Wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. As a consequence of the sometimes storm force wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally as the day progresses. Avalanches can in many places be released easily and reach medium size.
Avalanches can additionally be released in deeper layers also. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Especially places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are treacherous. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Backcountry touring calls for caution and restraint.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow

5 to 10 cm of snow will fall until the evening. The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. The brittle wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers.
Precarious weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

Tendency

Hardly any decrease in avalanche danger.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline


Fresh wind slabs require caution. Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack are treacherous.

Dry avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size in isolated cases. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in all aspects above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable. Especially places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are treacherous. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
The fresh wind slabs are easy to recognise but prone to triggering. The prevalence of such avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude, caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Meticulous route selection is important.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow

Precarious weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in some places.
The northwesterly wind will transport the loosely bonded old snow. In the course of the day the wind slabs will increase in size moderately. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

Tendency

Gradual increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of new snow and wind, especially in the north.