Avalanche.report

Tuesday 03.01.2023

Published 02 01 2023, 17:00


Danger level

2400m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2400m


Weakly bonded old snow is to be evaluated with care and prudence.

In some places avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach medium size in isolated cases. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep west to north to east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
Wind slabs are mostly small and can only be released in isolated cases, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m.
There is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.

Snowpack

dp.1: deep persistent weak layer

Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m, as well as on steep sunny slopes at elevated altitudes.
The mostly small wind slabs are lying on weak layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
Towards its surface, the snowpack is hard and its surface has a melt-freeze crust. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes.

Tendency

On Wednesday it will be sunny over a wide area. The wind will be light to moderate. The old snowpack remains prone to triggering in some places. The weather conditions will bring about a slight decrease in the danger of dry avalanches.


Danger level



Wind slabs are to be avoided. There is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, small wind slabs will form adjacent to ridgelines. Winter sport participants can release avalanches now only rarely.
As the penetration by moisture increases individual gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible. This applies especially on steep grassy slopes.

Snowpack

dp.2: gliding snow

The fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m.
The old snowpack will be moist. This applies in all aspects at low and intermediate altitudes.
A little snow is lying.

Tendency

On Wednesday it will be sunny over a wide area. The wind will be light to moderate. Only a little snow is lying. A widespread favourable avalanche situation will prevail.