Wednesday 16.03.2022
Published 15 03 2022, 17:00
Danger level
2300m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow

2300m

Wet snow

1800m

 

Wind slabs and wet snow are to be assessed with care and prudence.
Fresh and somewhat older wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on steep shady slopes and at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The sometimes deep wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant, especially at their margins. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In particular in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow the avalanches can be triggered in the new snow and wind slab layers and reach medium size.

As a consequence of new snow and heat an unfavourable avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area. In all aspects a large number of small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized moist snow slides and avalanches are to be expected.

Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for defensive route selection.
Snowpack
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In particular in the southeastern half of Aran 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Monday above approximately 2000 m. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh and older wind slabs are lying on weak layers on wind-protected shady slopes and at intermediate and high altitudes. Released avalanches and field observations confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in particular at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in terrain. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced over a wide area. During the day: All aspects: Gradual increase in danger of moist avalanches as the moisture increases.

Above approximately 2000 m there are 130 to 220 cm of snow. At high altitudes and in high Alpine regions snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
Until Wednesday the weather will be warm. Thursday: Significant decrease in danger of moist avalanches as the temperature drops. Gradual decrease in avalanche danger on wind-loaded slopes. Further increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of new snow and wind.