Boletín de aludes

Daytime glide-snow+wet-snow avalanches

Daytime glide-snow+wet-snow avalanches

Below 2200m wet-snow avalanches can release naturally as a result of solar radiation and high temperatures or (in extremely steep terrain) be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. On steep south-facing slopes, wet slides and avalanches can trigger even at high altitude. In addition, glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night. Caution urged on slopes with glide cracks.

The intensive persistent rainfall up to 2200 m weakened the snowpack as it became thoroughly wet. Following a night of nearly clear skies, a melt-freeze crust formed which will swiftly soften during the day (solar radiation, zero-degree level at 3300m). The rain and mild temperatures have helped the snowpack to quickly settle.

A high-pressure front determines weather conditions today. Following a night of nearly clear skies, today will be cloudless. Sunshine will dominate, wind still present, extremely mild (zero-degree level at 3300 m). Temperature at 2000 m: +8 degrees! Brisk to strong W/NW winds at high altitude.

The sequence of daytime warming and nighttime outgoing radiation has helped stabilize the snowpack. At high altitudes the snowpack is also settling, avalanche danger is receding.