Today, 14.11, we took advantage of the window of good weather and focused on the snowpack layering, together with our team of observers. Simultaneously, Avalanche Commissions made their first exploratory flights in the regions where snowfall has been heaviest.
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| Snowpack analysis is the basis for correct assessments of danger. (Photo: 14.11.2019) |
We currently face two serious problems which will become more threatening on Friday, 15.11, due to the massive southern barrier-cloud syndrome and two extraordinary bouts of precipitation.
On the one hand, there is an extremely pronounced gliding snow problem: the recently fallen snow glides away over steep, smooth surfaces. Numerous glide-snow avalanches have been reported over the last few days and have forced wide-ranging road closures in East Tirol, among other measures. Gliding snow is also a threat on steep house roofs. The danger of gliding snow avalanches will increase still further with the accumulating snow burden and with the increased moisture of the snowpack. For that reason, we appeal to everyone to take this danger very seriously, to respect all closures and avoid all spots below gliding snow cracks.
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| Gliding snow cracks and glide-snow avalanche in Defereggental. (Photo: 14.11.2019) |
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| Glide-snow avalanches endanger roads in Defereggental.(Photo: 14.11.2019) |
An additional danger stems from the pronounced fresh snow / snowdrift problem, particularly above the treeline. Today, 14.11, the wind – as predicted by the ZAMG Weather Service – intensified significantly. In the mountains, far-reaching snow plumes were observed. Snowdrift accumulations were freshly generated which in places are very prone to triggering. And to top it off, two very intensive bouts of precipitation are fast approaching: tomorrow on Friday, 15.11 in the regions along the Main Alpine Ridge from Vent Valley eastwards including East Tirol, 50-100 cm of fresh snow is expected; on Sunday, similar amounts again, accompanied by an ascending snowfall level. The danger of naturally triggered slab avalanches which in some cases could be very large is increasing steadily, particularly on leeward, very steep slopes. Avalanche danger in the regions where snowfall has been heaviest will be high tomorrow, 15.11. In other words, Danger Level 4!
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| Snow transport due to intensifying wind impact along the Main Alpine Ridge. Hochgurgl (Photo: 14.11.2019) |
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| Naturally triggered slab avalanche. Fresh snowdrifts on top of loose, cold powder snow. Hochgurgl (Photo: 14.11.2019) |
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| Situation similar to previous photo in the Stubai Alps (Photo: 14.11.2019) |
Starting tomorrow, 15.11.2019 we will start with our daily forecasts and report of avalanche dangers for the following day, every day at 5:00 pm. In addition, we publish information in this blog at least once weekly, every Thursday, about the current snow and avalanche situation.
