Lawinenkunde

The Austrian Alpine Association is once again offering the Avalanche Update this year, and we are pleased to announce that there will once again be more than 20 live presentations in Austria. We can expect the latest developments in practical avalanche awareness and rescue techniques, which will be illustrated using avalanche accidents from the previous season. A lecture for everyone who wants to get to grips with snow and its dangers again and prepare for winter in the mountains!

Today (Monday, 7.11.) from 12-13:00 Peter Plattner and Walter Würtl will ask the question: "Are you prepared for winter 22/23?" at the ÖGSL's Schnee.Semmelnar. After an introductory talk, there will be time for discussion with the speakers and the community.

In a new format called "AvaLounge", the SLF provides insights into the snow cover of the current winter. In a free online lecture, the avalanche forecasters discuss the topic of old snow in particular.

An avalanche-rich time lies behind us. The old snow problem, which was responsible for many of the avalanches in recent weeks, unfortunately remains with us.

There are repeated reports of an old snow problem, but exactly what this means can be confusing. First of all, you should know that an avalanche problem (old, new, drifting, wet and sliding snow problem) is not a hazard pattern, but can consist of different hazard patterns. An avalanche problem describes the type of avalanche and its mechanisms, whereas a hazard pattern describes the responsible weak layers and their processes.

Surface frost is certainly one of the most impressive crystal forms that we can admire: Beautiful to look at, especially when it glitters and sparkles in the sunlight. However, if it is covered by snow, it turns into a highly dangerous and treacherous weak layer. As is so often the case, beauty is so close to danger.

Silke Griesser wrote her master's thesis on force measurements in compression tests (CT) and presented the results as part of the monthly ÖGSL lectures. As usual, you can watch the video of the lecture and the subsequent Q&A session on YouTube.

PowderGuide partner Ortovox has produced a summary of important basics on the subject of avalanche safety. The content is available online for reference and is intended as an introduction to the topic (or as a refresher!). Of course, it is no substitute for an avalanche course in the backcountry, but it does provide a good basis on which to build.

What avalanche problem is there, at what altitude and exposure is it present, how can I recognize it, can I recognize it at all, what do I have to watch out for, why are the others going further - is it safe, have I made the right decision? The snow is great, should I take the risk.....?

Michael Larcher, head of the mountaineering department at the ÖAV and mountain guide, will address various aspects of the topic in his annual lecture at the start of the winter touring season, from rescuing companions to recurring accident patterns. The live stream will take place on December 8 at 19:00.

Anyone who has been out and about on touring skis for a while can observe a welcome development: More and more children and young people are on the mountain with their parents and are enthusiastic about this sport. This may be because fewer and fewer families are willing to pay the high lift prices or because long lift queues encourage them to climb up together using their own muscle power.

Once again this year, the Alpinforum will not take place at the Insbruck trade fair as usual, but digitally. The top-class presentations are therefore accessible to everyone with an internet connection, either as a live stream on Friday or later on YouTube.