Several avalanches involving persons. High likelihood of avalanches being triggered by winter sports enthusiasts in some places...a “tense” level 3!
Today on 1 December 2021, several avalanches were triggered by winter sports enthusiasts, one person suffered slight injuries. At the same time, we have received many reports of settling noises, glide cracks and even some remote triggerings, all of which are indicators of an extremely trigger-sensitive snowpack. This danger was reinforced still further by stability tests which were carried out today all over the land.
Avalanche prone locations are to be found wherever the recent snowfall was deposited on a cohesive, area-wide snowpack. This was especially the case in W/NW to N to E/NE aspects above the treeline. With increasing altitude, these danger zones spread to other aspects (depending on slope gradient and altitude).
In short (prior to a more comprehensive blog tomorrow evening, 2 December):
We are very close to the danger level known as “Skiers’ High” which means regionally (particularly on shady slopes above the timberline) one actually has to assume an avalanche will trigger by the additional loading of skiers. For that reason, we issue a warning towards supreme restraint in steep terrain. In addition, on-site avalanche knowledge in backcountry is absolutely imperative.
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| Near the ridgeline a naturally triggered slab in Arlberg region (Galzig). In the vicinity of this release in flat to medium-steep terrain we noted glide cracks and settling noises. (photo: 01.12.2021) |
