Avalanche.report

Saturday 14 December 2024

Published 14 Dec 2024, 08:00:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2400m


Fresh wind slabs require caution. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow in isolated cases.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong southerly wind, mostly small wind slabs formed since Friday in some places. These can be released easily. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above approximately 2000 m. In regions exposed to the foehn wind the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.

In isolated cases avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size, in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Especially slopes adjacent to ridgelines are unfavourable. The prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase in the high Alpine regions. They are difficult to recognise. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality.

Snowpack

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

The snowpack is weak in some cases; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. Faceted weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack, especially on northwest, north and northeast facing slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from southerly directions, mostly shallow wind slabs formed since Friday especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The fresh wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers.

In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying.

Tendency

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from northerly directions, further wind slabs will form on Sunday. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent and are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. Avalanches can additionally in isolated cases be released in deeper layers. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.


Danger level



Fresh wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of a strengthening northerly wind, clearly visible wind slabs will form on Saturday in some localities. These are only small but can in some cases be released easily. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on near-ridge west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. The fresh wind slabs are to be avoided especially in terrain where there is a danger of falling.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack is soft; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack in particular on shady slopes.

As a consequence of a freshening northerly foehn wind, small wind slabs will form in the course of the day adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The wind slabs are lying on soft layers especially on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.

Tendency

As a consequence of a strong northerly foehn wind, further wind slabs will form on Sunday.


Danger level



Low avalanche danger will prevail.

As a consequence of a moderate southerly wind, small wind slabs formed since Friday in isolated cases. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. Wind slabs are to be avoided especially in terrain where there is a danger of falling.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying. The snowpack is soft; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals.

As a consequence of a moderate wind from southerly directions, small wind slabs formed since Friday adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas.

Tendency

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes strong wind from northerly directions, further wind slabs will form on Sunday. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility.