Sunday 24.01.2021
Published23 01 2021, 17:00
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind-drifted snow

2000m

Persistent weak layer

2000m

 

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow are to be assessed with care and prudence. On wind-loaded slopes a precarious avalanche situation will persist.
As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from variable directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days in all aspects. These can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain at intermediate and high altitudes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. In the valleys of Molières and Conangles and in the valleys of Ruda, Aiguamòg and Valarties these avalanche prone locations are more prevalent.

The older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases in all aspects above approximately 2000 m, especially at their margins. Avalanches can be triggered in deep layers and reach medium size. Remotely triggered and natural avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack where hard layers are lying on a weakly bonded old snowpack are especially dangerous.
Snowpack
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Over a wide area 10 to 15 cm of snow, and up to 25 cm in some localities, has fallen above approximately 1800 m. 10 cm of snow will fall above approximately 1300 m. The wind was moderate especially on the peaks and ridges of the divide with the Esera basin and the Rigorçana basin.

Over a wide area various wind slab layers are lying on old snow containing large grains. Released avalanches and stability tests confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in particular adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects.

The current avalanche situation calls for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.
Tendency
Gradual decrease in avalanche danger as the precipitation eases.