Avalanche.report

Saturday 21.01.2023

Published 21 01 2023, 07:56


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m


The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs represent the main danger. Weakly bonded old snow above approximately 2200 m.

As a consequence of a strong to storm force northeasterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form over a wide area. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line. At elevated altitudes and in the regions exposed to the foehn wind the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater. Some natural avalanches are possible. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
Avalanches can also be released in deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep, little used shady slopes above approximately 2200 m and on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m.
Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for caution and restraint.

Snowpack

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

Some snow has fallen since Thursday in some regions, in particular in the northeast. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. As a consequence of a gathering strong wind from northeasterly directions, extensive wind slabs will form from early morning. These will be deposited on soft layers. The snowpack will become increasingly prone to triggering.
Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m, as well as on sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m.

Tendency

As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate on Sunday. The snowpack will become prone to triggering over a wide area. Considerable avalanche danger will be encountered over a wide area. The avalanche danger will persist.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline


Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. Moderate avalanche danger will persist.

As a consequence of a strong northeasterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form by the evening over a wide area. The various wind slabs of the last few days can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.
Avalanches can additionally be released in the old snowpack in isolated cases. These avalanche prone locations are rare and are difficult to recognise. In regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 3 (considerable) the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent.
Experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required. Meticulous route selection is recommended.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

As a consequence of a gusty wind from northeasterly directions, further wind slabs will form on Saturday. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are poorly bonded with the old snowpack. The snowpack is soft and its surface has a crust that is not capable of bearing a load.
Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack, especially on steep, little used shady slopes. These are mostly small and in some cases prone to triggering.

Tendency

As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate on Sunday. The snowpack remains prone to triggering in some places. The avalanche danger will persist.