Avalanche.report

Wednesday 04.01.2023

Published 03 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 on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
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 various wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes.
Towards its surface, the snowpack is hard and its surface has a melt-freeze crust. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes.

Tendency

Some snow will fall on Thursday especially in the northwest. The wind will be moderate to strong. The old snowpack remains prone to triggering in some places. In the northwest the danger of dry avalanches will increase a little.


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

Some snow will fall on Thursday. The wind will be strong over a wide area. A widespread favourable avalanche situation will prevail.