Author: Jeffrey McCabe

 Summing it up Several avalanches have been triggered by winter sports enthusiasts during the last few days, increasingly on very steep slopes above 2500m in NE/E/SE aspects. The heightened proneness to triggering of weak layers inside the snowpack was the result of pronounced slabs (see last blog) which formed recently. Most avalanches releases were caused by a…

 To start off Mild weather during the next few days is intensifying the wet-snow problem. Wetness seeping into snowpack is weakening it. Avalanches can more easily be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Also naturally triggered avalanches are more likely. Crucial: good tour planning, reasonable time allotment, adequate equipment and experience in assessing avalanche danger on-site.…

 The overall picture Springtime is well known to have a few surprises up its sleeve. Accordingly, the snowpack can moisten thoroughly (at least the surface layer) within the shortest imaginable time due to diffuse radiation, increased air moisture and higher temperatures. This, in turn, transforms the slab. Or else, water seeps down into the snowpack…

 Summing it up Since yesterday, 01.03.2023, the avalanche danger level in Tirol has been low. We assume there are only few danger zones where avalanches can be triggered, if at all, then on shady slopes at high altitudes. Nevertheless, we are currently observing the development of a potential weak layer due to Danger Pattern “cold…

 In short: The lack of precipitation this winter is quite striking in the snow cover. For this juncture of the season there is much too little snow on the ground, not only here in Tirol but in far-reaching parts of the Alps. See also the Blog of our colleagues in Switzerland. Avalanche danger levels are moderate, particularly on…

 To start off:  The persistent weak layer which has persisted for a long period is still of significance for avalanche releases in isolated cases. This was amply demonstrated last week by several avalanche triggerings in which persons were involved. Wednesday, 15.02.2023: negative avalanche Gstreinjöchl, Ridnaun Massif Thursday, 16.02.2023: negative avalanche Pfaffenbichl, western Tux Alps Saturday, 18.02.2023: two negative avalanches…

To sum it up: Danger zones especially in little-tracked shady very steep terrain During the last few days, Avalanche Headquarters Tirol received only isolated reports of avalanches involving persons (no injuries). Moreover, most snowpack analysis in the interim demonstrates a lack of tension inside the snowpack. Thus, we can assume there are only limited avalanche…

Before all else: Besides persistent weak layer problem, daytime loss of snowpack-surface firmness Last week’s biggest threat, the persistent weak layer, remains with us above 2000m. In the interim, frequency of avalanche prone locations where slabs can be triggered has diminished significantly. Avalanches are mostly triggerable on very steep slopes in transition zones from shallow…

 Avalanche time The term “avalanche time” has locked a heavy stamp on the education of Austrian mountain and ski guides. It designates the short period in a winter season which bears far higher risks of avalanches. Just such a period was what we had between 3rd and 6th of February. Within that short time, 8…