Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Report

Yesterday was a classic Verbier powder day. It only snowed about 15-20cm but the wind had filled in the narrows and the east facing slopes. We drew high speed GS turns from the Atlas couloirs to the North facing chutes of the Mont Gelee.

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	3–Moderate
Mid mountain	2–Moderate
Treeline	2 –Moderate

Current conditions:

“On Wednesday it was predominantly sunny. Midday temperatures at 2000 m were minus 4 degrees. Moderate northerly winds prevailed. The snow layering is generally favourable. The snowdrift accumulations from Tuesday of this week, are [slowly] consolidating.”

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 25 cm
Ø 2200m - 131 cm
Ø 2950m - 120 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are variable because the wind has been blowing a lot of snow around. There is more snow mid-mountain and in the trees. The west face of open areas and ridges has been buffed clean in most areas. As you approach the treeline it gets better. East facing couloirs and bowls is where it’s at, especially mid-mountain.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The Avalanche danger is decreasing but it’s still important to use extra caution because of the very bottom layer which never bonded solidly.

“The avalanche prone locations are found on steep slopes in all aspects. On the southern flank of the Alps the avalanche prone locations are found above approximately 2000 m. Avalanches can be triggered particularly by large additional loading in the uppermost snowdrift layers from this week. Prudent route planning is recommended.” Slf.ch

Forecast:

“On Thursday it will be generally sunny. In the course of the afternoon, cloudbanks will move in from the northwest. The midday temperature at 2000 m will be plus 2 degrees. Light to moderate southwesterly winds will prevail. On Friday it will be increasingly sunny… On Saturday it will be sunny and mild. The avalanche danger will continue to diminish, but very gradually.”


Important Notice:
Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch