Avalanche.report

Saturday 19.02.2022

Published 18 02 2022, 17:00


Danger level

1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1600m


Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

As a consequence of a storm force wind, extensive wind slabs formed on Thursday in all aspects. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain above the tree line and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Even single persons can release avalanches easily, including medium-sized ones.
In some places dry avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.
Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection. Isolated whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together.
The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

Tendency

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


Wind slabs and wet snow represent the main danger.

Since Tuesday the wind has been moderate to strong at times. As a consequence of a strong foehn wind, further wind slabs formed.
Even single persons can release avalanches, including medium-sized ones, especially on very steep shady slopes. On wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain the likelihood of avalanches is higher. The surface of the snowpack will freeze very little and will already be soft in the early morning. Already in the early morning, individual gliding avalanches are possible.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. The storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes.
The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, in particular on shady slopes.

Tendency

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

As a consequence of a strong wind, easily released wind slabs formed in the last few days in all aspects. These are to be bypassed as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 1800 m. Avalanches can reach medium size in isolated cases.
In very isolated cases dry avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on very steep shady slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, this applies in particular in case of a large load.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

The storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs remain prone to triggering in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together.
The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes.

Tendency

Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.