Sellraintal

In this rummage, we take a closer look at the so-called Arlberg effect and its impact on avalanche danger. As this effect does not only occur on the Arlberg, we refer to it more generally as the "effect of off-piste descents".

Due to the turbulent weather, the thin snow cover and fluctuating temperatures, we are moving from one avalanche problem to the next. Starting with an early winter old snow problem, we have recently been dealing with wild snow as a weak layer through to a very disruptive drift snow problem.

First rain up to high altitudes, then several days with warmer than average temperatures for the time of year, and then the long-awaited fresh snow finally fell from the sky.

Today I'm showing you the relevant layers for us before and after the snowfall at the beginning of March using several profiles. It's expected to snow heavily again in the northern Alps next week - so it's all the more important to know what's underneath the fresh snow!

Welcome to this year's review of the channels of our Alpine clubs! More online seminars are hardly what we need, but I would like to establish this sub-category. Of course, all channels have gained subscribers, but the balance of power has hardly shifted. In my opinion, the ÖAV stands out with its educational and humorous videos about safety on the mountain. Just like back then, we are growing from small to big. Language courses included!

On December 15, a medium-sized slab avalanche was triggered on the Pirchkogel in the Stubai Alps. No one involved came to any harm. The skiers hit an area with a thin layer of fresh snow and were thus able to initiate the break, which ultimately spread over a large area in the weak layer.

Sebastian, the curator of the Videos of the Week, is unfortunately unable to make it this time, so Lea has come up with a few video recommendations at short notice. It's a pretty mixed selection, but that's the way it is when the substitute has to step in! We start with a lecture on behavioral economics and avalanches, then turn our attention to the snowpack, then back to the human factor and finally to the best (?) of all ascent aids.

Despite the warmer temperatures in the fine weather phase, the snow surface on shady slopes remained mostly loose. On the other hand, slopes exposed to strong sunlight - especially at lower altitudes - became damp on the surface and a cover could form due to cooling.

At first glance, snow profiles seem complicated. However, if you know a few basic terms, this impression is quickly put into perspective. But even if you can read profiles, it takes some practice to draw the relevant conclusions from them. The most important thing, however, is to be able to visualize the snow cover and its layering in the terrain. An example:

As a winter sports enthusiast, you can hardly avoid the numerous reports on the hotly debated topic of the Tyrolean cable car and ski area program (TSSP) and its new edition in German-speaking countries. Here are a few thoughts from a divided heart to encourage self-reflection and reflection.

For the coming weekend, there are warnings of a Föhn storm on the main Alpine ridge and the areas north of it - including Saharan dust. Almost every skier is familiar with foehn or foehn-like effects on the mountain. Especially those who like to stay in areas on the main Alpine ridge. But what does the downdraft do to the snow cover?

The Hochalterrunde in Kühtai offers a steep northern descent with lift support and only 150 meters of ascent. A second car is an advantage - a perfect avalanche situation is obligatory.