Avalanche.report

Thursday 10.12.2020

Published09 12 2020, 17:00


Danger level

2200m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2200m
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


On steep grassy slopes natural avalanches must be expected. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

On steep grassy slopes gliding avalanches are possible at any time, even very large ones in isolated cases. This applies in all aspects below approximately 2200 m. Exposed parts of transportation routes can be endangered.
In addition a certain danger of dry loose snow avalanches exists. This applies on extremely steep slopes.
The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, in all aspects above the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
The current avalanche situation calls for very extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.

Snowpack

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

30 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last two days. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. This applies at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The fresh wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.

Tendency

The weather effects will bring about a gradual change towards better conditions. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.


Danger level

2200m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
2200m
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


On steep grassy slopes natural avalanches must be expected. Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

On steep grassy slopes gliding avalanches are possible at any time, even very large ones in isolated cases. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m. Exposed parts of transportation routes can be endangered. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, in all aspects above the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
In very isolated cases avalanches can be triggered in deep layers of the snowpack and reach very large size. This applies in case of releases originating from very steep starting zones at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions that have retained the snow thus far, especially at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, this applies in particular in case of a large load.
The current avalanche situation calls for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and a certain restraint.

Snowpack

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

10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last two days. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. This applies at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The fresh wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. Faceted weak layers exist deep in the old snowpack in particular at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

Tendency

The weather effects will bring about a gradual change towards better conditions. Caution is to be exercised in areas with glide cracks.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Gliding snow


Wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

The fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence in all aspects above the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. On steep grassy slopes gliding avalanches are possible, even medium-sized ones. This applies in all aspects below approximately 2200 m.
Ski touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.

Snowpack

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

10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. This applies at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The fresh wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.

Tendency

The avalanche danger will persist.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline


Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released by individual winter sport participants, caution is to be exercised in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line, as well as on steep sunny slopes above approximately 2500 m. In isolated cases avalanches are large.
In addition the fresh wind slabs should be taken into account, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls above the tree line. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. The fresh wind slabs are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.
On steep grassy slopes gliding avalanches are possible, in particular medium-sized ones, especially on very steep sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m.
The current avalanche situation calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.

Snowpack

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

5 to 10 cm of snow fell in the last two days. As a consequence of a moderate to strong southeasterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular above the tree line. The old snowpack will be weakly bonded in some places. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack.

Tendency

The avalanche danger will persist.