Avalanche.report

Thursday 26.01.2023

Published 25 01 2023, 17:00


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m


The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint. Wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed. The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects, especially in areas close to the tree line, and above the tree line. These avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow. Mostly avalanches are medium-sized.
Additionally 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. Especially transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are unfavourable.
Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for defensive route selection.

Snowpack

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

The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack.
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.
The snowpack remains quite prone to triggering. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication.

Tendency

Gradual decrease in avalanche danger.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline


Moderate avalanche danger will be encountered in some regions.

As a consequence of new snow and wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days in some places. Avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found on very steep slopes, in particular in areas close to the tree line, and above the tree line. Caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The mostly small wind slabs are to be bypassed in particular in terrain where there is a danger of falling.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from northeasterly directions, mostly small wind slabs formed. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. In some places wind slabs are lying on soft layers.

Tendency

Gradual decrease in avalanche danger.