Avalanche.report

Wednesday 13.01.2021

Published13 01 2021, 10:29


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2200m


Wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. In the course of the day the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. Avalanches can in many places be released easily and reach medium size.
Avalanches can penetrate deep layers and reach medium size. This applies in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m.
Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint.

Snowpack

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

10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until late morning, in particular in the north and in the northwest. The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. The brittle wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers. The old snowpack is faceted; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

Tendency

Further increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind.


Danger level

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


Wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack are treacherous.

The fresh and older wind slabs are prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. In the course of the day these will increase in size additionally. Avalanches can in many places be released easily and reach medium size.
Avalanches can additionally be released in near-surface layers also. The avalanche prone locations are barely recognisable. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Especially places where surface hoar has been covered with snow are treacherous. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger.
In addition a latent danger of gliding avalanches exists.
Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger. Meticulous route selection is important.

Snowpack

dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
dp.8: surface hoar blanketed with snow

In the north and in the northwest 5 to 10 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until late morning, in particular along the border with Tirol. In the south and in the southeast a little new snow. The strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. The brittle wind slabs will be deposited on soft layers.
Precarious weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack. As a consequence of low temperatures the snowpack can not consolidate.
Towards its base, the snowpack is well consolidated.

Tendency

As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the prevalence and size of the avalanche prone locations will increase on Thursday, especially in the north.