Avalanche.report

Friday 02.02.2024

Published 01 02 2024, 17:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Gliding snow


Wind slabs and gliding snow require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from northwesterly directions, wind slabs will form at elevated altitudes. They are mostly small but can in some cases be released easily. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines.

More gliding avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

Snowpack

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

Over a wide area over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall. In some regions strong northwesterly wind above the tree line. The old snowpack is largely stable.

Low and intermediate altitudes: The old snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

Tendency

Fresh wind slabs require caution. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation mostly small dry loose snow avalanches are to be expected.


Danger level

2600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2600m
Gliding snow
2600m


Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack necessitate caution. A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack can be released especially by large additional loads. This applies in particular on very steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Avalanches can reach large size in isolated cases.

Individual gliding avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form at elevated altitudes. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m and adjacent to ridgelines.
The somewhat older wind slabs are now only very rarely prone to triggering. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. This applies in particular adjacent to ridgelines.

Snowpack

dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
dp.2: gliding snow

In some regions up to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Thursday. The northwesterly wind will transport the new snow.
Faceted weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack, in particular on very steep sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable.
Low and intermediate altitudes: The old snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases.

Tendency

A latent danger of gliding avalanches exists. Fresh wind slabs require caution. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation mostly small dry loose snow avalanches are to be expected.


Danger level



Low avalanche danger will prevail. The conditions are favourable over a wide area.

The older wind slabs are now only very rarely prone to triggering. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2600 m. This applies in particular adjacent to ridgelines. Regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 2 (moderate): As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from northwesterly directions, small wind slabs will form at elevated altitudes. They can be released in isolated cases.

Only isolated gliding avalanches are possible, in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes below approximately 2600 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

Snowpack

Some snow fell on Thursday, in particular in the north. Over a wide area strong northwesterly wind above the tree line.

The snowpack will be in most cases stable.
Towards its base, the snowpack consists of faceted crystals. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations above the tree line.

Intermediate and high altitudes: Early and late morning: The old snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight moistening of the snowpack in particular on very steep sunny slopes.

Tendency

The avalanche conditions are favourable over a wide area. The wind will be strong in some cases.