Monday 25.01.2021
Published24 01 2021, 17:00
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow

2000m

Persistent weak layer

2000m

 

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence. On wind-loaded slopes a precarious avalanche situation will persist.
As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from variable directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last four days in all aspects. These can over a wide area be released by people and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain at intermediate and high altitudes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude. In the valleys of Molières and Conangles and in the valleys of Ruda, Aiguamòg and Valarties these avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater.

The older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases in all aspects above approximately 2000 m, especially at their margins. Avalanches can be triggered in deep layers and reach medium size. Remotely triggered and natural avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack where hard layers are lying on a weakly bonded old snowpack are especially dangerous.

Individual gliding avalanches can also occur.
Snowpack
>
The snowpack remains prone to triggering over a wide area.

20 to 25 cm of snow, and up to 40 cm in some localities, has fallen since Thursday above approximately 1800 m. The wind was moderate to strong adjacent to ridgelines. These meteorological conditions caused a gradual rise in the avalanche danger especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.

Over a wide area various wind slab layers are lying on old snow containing large grains. Released avalanches and stability tests confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in particular adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects.

The current avalanche situation calls for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.
Tendency
Gradual decrease in avalanche danger as a consequence of the ceasing of precipitation.