Wind slab
- Above 2,200 m
Snowpack
The high amounts of new snow from the end of the week are settling and compacting. At high altitudes, there is about twice as much snow in many areas as there normally is at the beginning of December. The snowpack structure is generally favourable. Avalanches can usually only be released in layers near the surface. Weak layers in the old snowpack are sometimes present in the area of older rain crusts but are so deep and widespread in the snowpack that it is unlikely they would be released by people. In southern Upper Valais, Ticino, Moesano, Val Bregaglia and Val Poschiavo, there are average snow depths at altitude. In these regions, older weak layers may occasionally be released by people.
Gliding avalanches are still possible, especially below 2400 m.
Weather forecast until Sunday, 17.12.2023
It will be sunny.
New fallen snow
-
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, +6 °C, zero-degree level at over 3000 m.
Wind
There will still be moderate to strong winds from the northeast during the night at high altitudes, with light winds during the day.
Weather review for Saturday, 16.12.2023
It was sunny in the mountains.
New fallen snow
-
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, between +3 °C in the west and south and 0 °C in the east.
Wind
There were moderate to strong northerly winds at high altitudes and on the southern flank of the Alps as far as the valleys.
Trend until Tuesday, 19.12.2023
It will be sunny and mild.
The danger of dry avalanches is expected to decrease. More gliding avalanches are expected owing to warmer temperatures and solar radiation. Wet avalanches are also possible on very steep sunny slopes.
Bulletin data: WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF (CC BY 4.0)