Diffused persistent weak layer starting at 2000m – Some releases triggered by winter sports enthusiasts

Top priority: persistent weak layer still treacherous – danger zones also on sunny slopes

The persistent weak layer is still treacherous. It starts at about 2000m altitude, occurs mostly on shady slopes to begin with, with increasing altitude also on sunny slopes. This has been confirmed by several avalanches in the last few days which involved winter sports enthusiasts. As described in our last blog, we are dealing with below average amounts of snow on the ground. Avalanches triggered by winter sports enthusiasts are generally small-sized for that reason. Wherever winds have recently generated more snow, the avalanches are medium-sized. Caution: Because of the shallow snow, avalanches currently cause not only a risk of being swept along and forced to take a fall, but also heightened danger of injuries from protruding rocks.

Avalanche on Hoher Burgstall. Since it was uncertain whether persons were involved, an avalanche rescue operation was ordered. No one was buried. Please report negative avalanches to headquarters! Tel. no. 140. Thanks. (photo: 17.12.2022)

Avalanche Lampsenspitze (photo: 17.12.2022)

Avalanche triggering Hochgurgl (photo: 17.12.2022)

Slab avalanche near ski area St. Jakob i.D. (photo: 17.12.2022)

Due to higher temperatures, increasingly frequent glide-snow slides. Ausserfern (photo: 17.12.2022)