Avalanche.report

Monday 24.01.2022

Published 23 01 2022, 19:23


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Gliding snow
Treeline


New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northerly wind, easily released wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular above the tree line, but in isolated cases also on wind-loaded slopes below the tree line. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized and can be released easily even by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. As a consequence of the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase a little, especially at elevated altitudes.
As a consequence of warming more frequent gliding avalanches and snow slides are to be expected.
As a consequence of solar radiation, the natural activity of small and medium loose snow avalanches will increase, in particular on rocky slopes.
Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and caution.

Snowpack

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

At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The wind will be strong at times. The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on soft layers above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind.

Tendency

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. As a consequence of mild temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days. The danger of loose snow avalanches will decrease.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


Wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northerly wind, easily released wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular above the tree line, but in isolated cases also on wind-loaded slopes below the tree line. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized and can be released easily even by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. As a consequence of the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase a little at elevated altitudes.
As a consequence of solar radiation, the natural activity of small and medium loose snow avalanches will increase, in particular on rocky slopes.
Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and caution.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The wind will be strong at times. The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on soft layers above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind.
In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes in particular above approximately 2400 m.

Tendency

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically. As a consequence of mild temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days. The danger of loose snow avalanches will decrease.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a storm force wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular above the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects, especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided especially in steep terrain. In some cases avalanches are medium-sized. Small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized loose snow avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of solar radiation.
Meticulous route selection is recommended.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

On Monday the wind will be strong in some cases. The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind. The old snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.

Tendency

Wind slabs are to be avoided. As a consequence of mild temperatures the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


Wind slabs require caution.

The fresh and older wind slabs of the last few days can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At elevated altitudes these avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater. Fresh wind slabs are to be avoided especially in steep terrain.
Mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible especially on very steep shady slopes, this applies even in case of a small load.
In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

On Monday the wind will be strong in some cases. The wind will transport the snow. The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes above the tree line, in particular in places that are protected from the wind. The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.
Steep shady slopes: In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack, especially above approximately 2400 m. Towards its surface, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals.

Tendency

Fresh wind slabs require caution. In the north and in the northeast the avalanche danger is a little higher.