Bulletin d’avalanche

Treacherous situation, considerable avalanche danger, in outlying terrain

As a result of the snowfall forecast for tonight plus stormy winds, avalanche danger will increase again.

Treacherous situation, considerable avalanche danger, in outlying terrain

The fresh and older snowdrifts behind protruberances and in wind-loaded gullies anda bowls are still prone to triggering. Avalanche prone locations are found particularly on wind-protected west-facing, north-facing and east-facig slopes and in ridgeline terrain. Frequency and size of danger zones increase with ascending altitude. Even the weight of one sole skier/boarder can trigger a slab avalanche. Activities in backcountry demand much experience in evaluating avalanche risks on-site as well as knowledge of the landscape. Cracks in the surface and whump noises are red flags of alarm, indicate danger. The inexperience should not live the secured ski pistes. At low and intermediate altitude, particularly on sunny slopes, isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible.

The fresh snow and drifts of the last few days was able to further settle and consolidate due solar radiation and dropping temperatures. In wind-loaded zones the old drifts are still prone to triggering, particularly in transition zones. On shady slopes there are loose-snow layers and grauple embedded in the snowpack which are still prone to triggering. Bonding between these layers deteriorates with ascending altitude. Again yesterday, several slab avalanches were triggered by one sole skier, some of them grew to large size. This confirms the heightened proneness to triggering of the snowpack. Also naturally triggered slab avalanches and isolated loose-snow avalanches were observed in sunny, rough and rocky terrain.

Extensive high-altitude cloudbanks are passing through, impeding the sun or creating diffuse light conditions. Some sun windows are expected in the Rätikon and Silvretta. Winds will intensify, reach storm strength, making it feel even colder than it is. This evening, heavy snowfall will be added to the strom, and temperatures will drop. At 2000 m: -2 degrees. Intensifying W/SW storm winds.