Avalanche.report

Thursday 18.01.2024

Published 17 01 2024, 17:00


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding snow
2600m


Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. These can be released by a single winter sport participant above the tree line. This also applies in areas close to the tree line. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. They are to be avoided as far as possible. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls in all aspects, but in isolated cases also adjacent to ridgelines. Avalanches are medium-sized. Restraint should be exercised because avalanches can sweep people along and give rise to falls.

In addition further individual gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. In isolated cases the gliding avalanches are quite large, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

5 to 15 cm of snow will fall. As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form in the course of the day in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack.

Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. The high temperatures will give rise to slight moistening of the snowpack in particular at low and intermediate altitudes.

Tendency

The fresh wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack. Slight decrease in danger of dry avalanches.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline


Fresh wind slabs are mostly easy to recognise and prone to triggering.

The fresh wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. These can be released easily in some cases above the tree line. This also applies in areas close to the tree line. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. The wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. They are to be avoided as far as possible. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. Even a small avalanche can sweep winter sport participants along and give rise to falls.

In addition further very occasional gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. In isolated cases the gliding avalanches are quite large, in particular in the regions with a lot of snow. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

Over a wide area up to 5 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 1200 m. In the north up to 10 cm of snow will fall above approximately 1200 m. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, further wind slabs will form from late morning. The fresh wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack.

Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. Snow depths vary greatly above the tree line, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

Tendency

Some snow will fall in some localities. The fresh wind slabs remain prone to triggering.