Avalanche forecast

Dangers changing as several-day period of snowfall begins

Dangers changing as several-day period of snowfall begins

Avalanche danger is still predominantly “low.” At high altitudes, mostly small-sized snowdrift accumulations are being generated which can be triggered on steep shady slopes in particular. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow, the dangers of being swept along and forced to take a fall also require attentiveness. The danger of glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches has increased somewhat in the rain-impacted zones. Small slides and isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible, particularly on north-facing slopes and where sufficient snow has accumulated. Caution is urged near glide-cracks.

Wednesday night was rainy, the snowfall level descending from 1600 down to 1300 m. There was very little fresh snowfall, it was deposited atop a raw old snowpack surface and is generally well bonded to it. Wind were blowing at less than transported strength, only in exposed terrain were small snowdrifts generated. As a result of fresh snow and wind today, more small drifts will accumulate in ridge and pass areas. At intermediate altitudes the minor rainfall weakened the snowpack somewhat. At high altitudes a crust capable of bearing loads was able to form. The old snowpack is thoroughly wet and on sunny slopes weakened by rain up to high altitudes; on very steep and smooth slopes, this reinforces the gliding movement of the entire snowpack. At intermediate altitudes the sunny slopes are mostly bare of snow.

Wet. The dense clouds and fog will persist all day long, some rainfall/snowfall will result. The snowfall level will descend to about 1300 m, and there is little chance the clouds will disperse. At 2000 m: -2 degrees. Light W/NW winds at high altitudes.

As temperatures drop and snow falls, the danger of dry-snow avalanches will increase on Friday.