Avalanche.report

Friday 27 December 2024

Published 26 Dec 2024, 17:00:00


Danger level

2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m
Persistent weak layer
2200m


Wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack necessitate caution.

The somewhat older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases above approximately 2200 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In particular shady slopes are unfavourable. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent.
Avalanches can reach medium size. They can in isolated cases penetrate deep layers and reach dangerously large size. In the south the avalanches are mostly smaller.

On extremely steep sunny slopes individual small moist loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. On very steep grassy slopes individual gliding avalanches are possible, but they will be mostly small.

Snowpack

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

As a consequence of snowfall and the wind, snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. They are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on northwest to north to southeast facing aspects. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight softening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2800 m. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

Tendency

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.


Danger level

2200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2200m


The amount of snow is subject to significant local variations. Fresh wind slabs require caution.

The somewhat older wind slabs can still be released in some cases in particular on very steep northwest, north and east facing slopes. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above approximately 2200 m. They are easy to recognise. Mostly avalanches are only small. 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.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind

Hard wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes. They are in some cases still prone to triggering above approximately 2200 m. The weather conditions will foster a stabilisation of the snow drift accumulations.
Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to slight softening of the snowpack in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2800 m. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. From a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.

Tendency

The hard wind slabs can be released in isolated cases.