Tuesday 21.12.2021
Published 20 12 2021, 17:00
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer

2000m

Gliding snow

2500m

 

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution. Gliding avalanches are still to be expected.
Distinct weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack can be released in isolated cases by people especially on steep, rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes. In many cases they are medium-sized and can mostly be released by large loads. Field observations and stability tests indicate this situation.

Several small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible in particular on very steep sunny slopes.

The conditions are generally favourable for backcountry touring. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snowpack
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A lot of snow is lying for the time of year in all altitude zones. In the last few days on very steep sunny slopes further small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized avalanches occurred naturally.
Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be good. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise from the middle of the day to slight softening of the snowpack on very steep sunny slopes in all altitude zones.
Shady slopes: The upper section of the snowpack is largely stable; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack especially on wind-protected grassy slopes.
Tendency
Wednesday: In some localities increase in danger of gliding avalanches as a consequence of the moist air. The danger of dry slab avalanches will persist.