PowderAlert 6 2023/24 | Back to normal

Alert period and areas

This dump practically goes through the entire Alps, but in the north only the foothills of the Alps are affected east of the Arlberg. In Switzerland, it should also reach further in.

However, the core will be in the Southern Alps from the Upper Engadine eastwards, with the maxima probably once again in the border triangle Aut/Slo/It. There, however, it will also be more in the foothills of the Alps or in the Stau and less towards the main ridge.

The alert lasts until Sunday morning in the south and evening in the north.

Wind

The genoa low that is travelling around the Alps is quite tame, so there are hardly any storms, but as the current also hits the Alps quite flat, there are no counter-currents or wild jams.

Snow line

Far down in the south with values between 900 and 1300m, in the north 800-1000m and then at the very bottom. Full amounts in the north from 1000m in the south-east from 1500m. POW.

PowderAlert 07.01.24. PowderGuide Weather

The quantities

From France to the Arlberg it will be 30-60cm, with northern France and the Valais just managing to reach the alert levels. In Switzerland, we are only in the upper range from the Bernese Oberland to Glarus, as the north-easterly thaw hits better there. From the Arlberg eastwards, there are just about alert levels, but only in the northernmost foothills of the Alps, where there is unfortunately no base.

Only cosmetics are to be expected in Austria.

The same applies to the south. There is 40-70cm of snow in the foothills of the Alps, less towards the main ridge. In the core in the south-east it could be 50-80cm, with the maximum in the Julian Pre-Alps.

The potential for disappointment or surprise is high, as the genoa low does not have an optimal path, neither for the north nor the south.

Where should I go?

Saturday might be possible in the south, but I don't know what altitude the base is down below there.

In the north, I would still assume that it will be dust on crust on Saturday and would rather choose Sunday. On Sunday, I would try my luck for treeskiing in the north in eastern Switzerland above 1300-1400 metres. In the south it will clear up and you can go higher up. After that it will be cold and dry everywhere and you can look for powder on tours. The quality should be good everywhere, the quantity won't hide the crusts everywhere.

Medium term

Dry, but cold. Not much is likely to happen before mid-January. Whether we'll be able to tackle safe, steep projects depends on how our Pow bonds with the harsch crusts, because as the oracle here from western Switzerland knows, you don't want to ride anything steep on the surface.

Powder to the people!

Your oracle!

Prediction game #6: Core zone station "Livinal Lunc (1837m)"

The snow depth competition no. 6 takes place at the station "Livinal Lunc (1837m)" from Friday, 5th Jan 16:00 to 7th Jan 15:00. The initial value of the snow depth at the station "Livinal Lunc (1837m)" is 127cm (5 Jan 16:00).

Write your fresh snow tip as a comment below by Saturday, 6 January at 18:00! As a reminder: tip game rules, Tipping game reminder by email.