Avalanche.report

Monday 15.02.2021

Published 14 02 2021, 17:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
2000m
Gliding snow
2200m
Persistent weak layer
Treeline


Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. At elevated altitudes a considerable avalanche danger will still be encountered.

The new snow and wind slabs remain very prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. This applies in particular on very steep slopes, and adjacent to ridgelines. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily. or in isolated cases naturally, in all aspects and generally above the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
Weak layers in the old snowpack are difficult to recognise. Avalanches can in isolated cases penetrate deep layers and reach quite a large size.
Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in all aspects. This also applies in gullies and bowls below the tree line. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly.
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular above the tree line.
Towards its base, the snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust, in particular at low and intermediate altitudes.

Tendency

As a consequence of highly fluctuating temperatures the snowpack will consolidate during the next few days. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.