Avalanche.report

Friday 13.01.2023

Published 12 01 2023, 18:01


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline


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

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released by individual winter sport participants. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep shady slopes above the tree line and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2400 m. These places are difficult to recognise. Avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes in high Alpine regions. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.
The fresh and older wind slabs are in some cases prone to triggering. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and on steep shady slopes. Their prevalence will increase with altitude.
On steep grassy slopes and at low and intermediate altitudes more gliding avalanches are possible, but they will be mostly small.

Snowpack

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

Some snow will fall on Friday. The wind will be strong in some regions.
The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack especially on shady slopes.
Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.

Tendency

The avalanche danger will persist. The wind will be strong.


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
2400m


Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2000 m. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Single winter sport participants can release avalanches. These can penetrate even deep layers and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above approximately 2000 m. These places are difficult to recognise. Between approximately 2000 and 2400 m the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. Whumpfing and hissing sounds can indicate the danger. Caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack.
As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size once again. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and on steep shady slopes.

Snowpack

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

5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall on Friday. Over a wide area strong westerly wind.
Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at elevated altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack in all aspects. This applies especially between approximately 2000 and 2400 m.
Fresh wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
The weather conditions gave rise to moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2000 m.

Tendency

The avalanche danger will persist. Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow require caution.