Avalanche forecast

Rieserferner Mountains

LWD Südtirol
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Avalanche danger

Above 1,600 m
4 · High
Below 1,600 m
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Released avalanches and avalanches triggered by explosives confirm a precarious avalanche situation.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent weak layers

    • Above 1,600 m

  • Wind slab

    • Above treeline

  • Gliding snow

    • Below 2,000 m

Avalanche Activity

Released avalanches and avalanches triggered by explosives confirm a precarious avalanche situation.

High avalanche danger will persist in some regions. The danger exists in particular in alpine snow sports terrain. The new snow and wind slabs can be released very easily in all aspects, this applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are widespread and are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye, especially also in areas close to the tree line, as well as below the tree line. Additionally avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found in steep terrain above the tree line. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. On wind-loaded slopes individual natural avalanches are possible. In addition in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation, an increasing number of medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes below approximately 2000 m.

Snowpack Structure

The snowpack will be unstable above approximately 1600 m. Over a wide area 30 to 80 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Thursday. The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. The large quantity of fresh snow and the sometimes large wind slabs formed during the snowfall are lying on soft layers above approximately 1600 m. Faceted weak layers exist in the snowpack, especially on steep slopes above the tree line, and in areas close to the tree line. In shady places that are protected from the wind the snowpack is weaker. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate the existence of a weak snowack. Up to 10 cm of snow will fall on Sunday, in particular in the northwest. As a consequence of the wind the wind slabs will increase in size moderately.

Tendency

Monday: The off-piste conditions remain unfavourable. Off-piste activities call for extensive experience and a certain restraint.

Bulletin data: Avalanche Warning Service South Tyrol, avalanche.report (CC BY 4.0)

Regions covered