Avalanche.report

Tuesday 17 December 2024

Published 16 Dec 2024, 17:00:00


Danger level

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


Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. Avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m.

Avalanches can in some cases be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Especially slopes adjacent to ridgelines are unfavourable.

The wind slabs of the last few days can still be released in some cases in particular on shady slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above approximately 2400 m. These places are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation mostly small wet loose snow slides are possible. This applies on extremely steep sunny slopes. In addition individual gliding avalanches are possible.

Snowpack

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

Wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack on shady slopes at elevated altitudes. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the centre of the old snowpack, especially on northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2400 m. Field observations and avalanches triggered by explosives confirm the existence of a weak snowack.

Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to moistening of the snowpack on sunny slopes. In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying.

Tendency

Until Thursday the weather will be very mild. As a consequence of mild temperatures solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.


Danger level



Low avalanche danger will prevail.

The wind slabs of the weekend can be released in isolated cases in particular on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes. The avalanche prone locations are clearly recognisable to the trained eye. 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.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small gliding avalanches and wet snow slides are possible. This applies on very steep sunny slopes.

Snowpack

dp.2: gliding snow

Up to the tree line and above rain fell on Monday. The snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. As a consequence of rising temperatures the snow drift accumulations stabilised. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack especially on sunny slopes.

In all altitude zones from a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.

Tendency

Low avalanche danger will prevail.


Danger level



Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found on extremely steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong northerly wind, clearly visible wind slabs formed in the last few days. These are mostly only small but can be released in isolated cases. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2400 m.

On extremely steep sunny slopes individual small wet loose snow slides are possible.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

As a consequence of a strong northerly foehn wind, small wind slabs formed in the last few days. These are in isolated cases prone to triggering on very steep shady slopes at elevated altitudes.

The weather will be very mild. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to moistening of the snowpack on sunny slopes. In all altitude zones only a little snow is lying.

Tendency

Low avalanche danger will prevail.