Wednesday 22.12.2021
Published 21 12 2021, 17:00
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer

2000m

Gliding snow

2500m

 

Weakly bonded old snow in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. 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. Sometimes they are medium-sized and can mostly be released by large loads. Field observations and stability tests indicate this situation. In addition in particular in gullies and bowls, individual small dry loose snow slides are possible.

Several small and medium-sized gliding avalanches are to be expected in particular on very steep grassy slopes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on sunny slopes in all altitude zones and on shady slopes below approximately 2000 m.

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 grassy 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 as the day progresses to increasing softening of the snowpack on 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
Thursday: Further increase in danger of gliding avalanches as a consequence of warming. The danger of dry slab avalanches will persist.