High avalanche risk today (and the next few days)

The avalanche bulletin for today is really quite blunt and simple click here. All aspects of all slopes have a high risk of avalanche due to the volume of fresh snow that has fallen and is still falling, plus there is a weak layer. The professionals are talking about the risk of spontaneous avalanches as well as those triggered by a skier.

On Monday prior to the snowfall Alain Duclos from data-avalanche.org has highlighted to the professional guide community that there is significant evidence of a weak layer just below the top of the snowpack in many places.

There have been a series of avalanches to reinforce this risk including one where someone was killed click here and click here

This weak layer seems most prevalent on north-facing shady slopes at all altitudes. South facing sun affected slopes or heavily skied off-piste is less susceptible

We also picked up reports of skiers triggering small avalanches right next to the piste in Val d’Isere in the fresh snow yesterday. This was just the fresh snow sliding on top of the snowpack before it had settled. These avalanches had little consequence yesterday. However, today the danger is much greater as the quantity of snow is much higher. 40cm ++ and a lot more where it is wind loaded and the snow is still falling.

What does this mean for skiing today and beyond?

Stay away from and off any avalanche terrain. Keep a big distance between you and any slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees. This applies until it is clear the snowpack has stabilised. Remember it is not just the slope angle under your feet that matters. It is the slopes above you as well. Keep on the marked pistes and on low angle slopes if you go off piste. The same risk applies in the trees, stay on low angle slopes.

When the weather clears and the snow settles down, remember this weak layer exists just below the top of the snowpack (as of Monday this week). This will make judging safe terrain quite difficult. North facing wind loaded slopes will be the riskiest. Heavily skied off piste will be less risky. But …

Remember to read the bulletin every day

Look for evidence of recent avalanche activity

Apply the HAT risk framework and decision tool click here

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