Avalanche.report

Monday 18.12.2023

Published 17 12 2023, 17:00


Danger level

2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Gliding snow
2400m
Persistent weak layer
2200m


Wind slabs represent the main danger. Gliding snow requires caution.

The no longer entirely fresh wind slabs are in some cases still prone to triggering especially on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. These can especially at their margins be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are easy to recognise. Caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.

As a consequence of warming more loose snow avalanches are to be expected, but they will be mostly small. In addition an appreciable danger of gliding avalanches exists. This applies on steep slopes below approximately 2400 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released especially by large additional loads in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.2: gliding snow

As a consequence of new snow and wind from northerly directions, clearly visible wind slabs formed. These are lying on soft layers in particular on near-ridge shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to gradual moistening of the snowpack, in particular on steep sunny slopes. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular above approximately 2200 m. This applies in particular on shady slopes.

Tendency

The weather conditions will foster a gradual settling of the snow drift accumulations. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.


Danger level

2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m


Wind slabs require caution.

The no longer entirely fresh wind slabs are in some cases still prone to triggering above approximately 2400 m. Wind slabs can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released in very isolated cases in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. This applies on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. The avalanche prone locations are rare but are barely recognisable.

In addition as the day progresses on south facing slopes, further mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible. In the regions with a lot of snow individual gliding avalanches are possible.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.7: snow-poor zones in snow-rich surrounding

As a consequence of a strong to storm force northwesterly wind, wind slabs formed in the last few days in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. These are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack in particular above approximately 2400 m. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack in particular on sunny slopes.

Tendency

The weather conditions will foster a gradual settling of the snow drift accumulations.


Danger level



A generally favourable avalanche situation will prevail. Wet loose snow avalanches are possible.

The somewhat older wind slabs are small and can only be released in isolated cases. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, especially on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.
As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation individual wet loose snow avalanches are possible, but they will be mostly small. This applies on extremely steep sunny slopes.

Snowpack

Wind slabs are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. They are mostly small and unlikely to be released now. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack especially on sunny slopes. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Tendency

Moist and wet snow slides are still possible.


Danger level

2400m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2400m


Wind slabs require caution.

The no longer entirely fresh wind slabs of the last few days are in individual cases still prone to triggering in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. The mostly small wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.

In addition as the day progresses on south facing slopes, further mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

As a consequence of a strong to storm force northwesterly wind, mostly small wind slabs formed in the last few days in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. These are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack in particular on sunny slopes.

Tendency

The avalanche conditions remain generally favourable.