Avalanche.report

Thursday 15.12.2022

Published 14 12 2022, 17:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
2000m


Distinct weak layers in the old snowpack are difficult to recognise. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant. Natural avalanches are possible in isolated cases, in particular on wind-loaded slopes adjacent to ridgelines.
Mostly avalanches are small. On wind-loaded slopes medium-sized avalanches are possible.
The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as adjacent to ridgelines.
Individual gliding avalanches can also occur, in particular in the south.
Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.

Snowpack

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

The old snowpack will be unstable over a wide area. The wind slabs of the last few days are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. This applies on steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. In some places new snow and wind slabs are lying on surface hoar. As a consequence of a moderate to strong southwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. In the south up to 10 cm of snow will fall in the evening. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.

Tendency

The avalanche danger will persist.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline


The wind slabs are to be assessed with care and prudence.

As a consequence of low temperatures and the light to moderate wind, the snowpack could not consolidate during the last few days. Winter sport participants can release avalanches, in particular on wind-loaded slopes above the tree line. In particular in shady places that are protected from the wind and adjacent to ridgelines more mostly small dry slab avalanches are possible. Even a small avalanche can sweep winter sport participants along and give rise to falls.

Snowpack

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

Above approximately 1000 m there are 10 to 40 cm of snow, and even as much as 60 cm in some localities. Over a wide area wind slabs are lying on soft layers. The old snowpack will be unfavourable in some places, especially on steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m.

Tendency

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall from the afternoon.