Tuesday 20.12.2022
Published 19 12 2022, 17:00
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab

2000m

Gliding snow

1500m

 

Fresh wind slabs require caution. Gliding avalanches and moist snow slides as the day progresses.
The fresh wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on steep shady slopes and above the tree line. They are mostly small but prone to triggering. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In particular in the regions exposed to the foehn wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally until Wednesday.

As the moisture increases more gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are to be expected as the day progresses, but they can reach medium size in some cases. The avalanche prone locations for gliding avalanches are to be found in particular on very steep grassy slopes in all altitude zones.

Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.
Snowpack
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The southerly foehn wind has transported the loosely bonded old snow. The fresh wind slabs are lying on weak layers in particular on wind-protected shady slopes and at intermediate and high altitudes. Released avalanches and stability tests indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack on wind-loaded slopes.

As a consequence of high temperatures, partly cloudy skies and the strong southerly foehn wind, no crust will develop on the surface during the night. The spring-like weather conditions will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack in all aspects.

Above the tree line there are 30 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities. At high altitudes and in high Alpine regions snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
Tendency
Wednesday: Gradual decrease in danger of moist avalanches as the temperature drops.