Avalanche.report Monday 07.02.2022

Danger level

treeline

Avalanche Problem

Wind-drifted snow

Treeline

Persistent weak layer

2200m

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong northwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form in all aspects. They are to be avoided especially in extremely steep terrain. Avalanches can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche danger is higher.
The current avalanche situation calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer

Over a wide area 5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Monday. The wind will be strong to storm force. The fresh snow and the mostly small wind slabs that are being formed by the northwesterly wind will be deposited on soft layers. In the course of the day the wind slabs will increase in size once again. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly with each other and the old snowpack. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted, especially on wind-protected shady slopes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack.

Tendency

As a consequence of the sometimes storm force wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally on Tuesday.

Danger level

treeline

Avalanche Problem

Persistent weak layer

Treeline

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.

The older wind slabs can be released in isolated cases at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force northwesterly wind, mostly small wind slabs will form. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. They are to be avoided especially in extremely steep terrain. In the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 2 (moderate) the avalanche danger is higher. Mostly avalanches are small.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

In some regions 2 to 10 cm of snow will fall above approximately 1000 m. Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs are in isolated cases prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes. The old snowpack will be generally stable. At elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

Tendency

The avalanche danger will persist. As a consequence of the sometimes storm force wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately.