Avalanche.report

Thursday 2 January 2025

Published 1 Jan 2025, 17:00:00


Danger level

2600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2600m


Evaluate persistent weak layers with caution

The hardened snowdrift accumulations of recent days can be triggered generally by large additional loading on steep W/N/SE facing slopes above 2600m. One single skier can trigger them only in isolated cases. Isolated danger zones occur particularly in gullies, bowls and behind protruberances in the landscape. Avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack on shady slopes in particular, and then grow to medium size. Size and frequency of danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude.
Apart from the danger of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall require consideration.

Snowpack

dp.1: deep persistent weak layer

The hardened snowdrifts from the last few days now blanket a weak old snowpack surface above 2600m on W/N/SE facing slopes. Inside the old snowpack there are expansively metamosphosed, faceted crystals, particularly on shady wind-protected slopes.
The snowpack is highly irregular, even over small areas. At all altitudes there is too little snow on the ground for this juncture of the season.

Tendency

Slightly increasing avalanche danger regionally


Danger level

1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m


Too little snow on the ground for winter sports widespread. Danger zones in gullies and bowls.

The snowdrift accumulations on steep shady slopes above 1800m can in isolated cases trigger an avalanche even by minimum additional loading. Particularly unfavorable are gullies and bowls where hardened layers blanket weakly consolidated old snow. These danger zones occur rather seldom, and are generally small-sized.
Apart from the risk of being buried in snow masses, you also need to take the dangers of being swept along and forced to take a fall into consideration.

Snowpack

dp.1: deep persistent weak layer

Snowdrift accumulations cover a weak old snowpack surface on shady slopes above 1800m. The old snowpack is weak, with faceted crystals.
Solar radiation and higher temperatures led to a gradual softening of the snowpack during the course of the day, particularly on sunny slopes.

Tendency

Slightly increasing avalanche danger regionally