Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Reports

Report valid: Monday, January 07, 2008 until further notice

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

Current conditions

In Verbier on Sunday it was overcast with snowfall starting at 11pm. Overnight 10 to 30 cm of new snow fell. Unfortunately, The snowfall level was relatively high at approximately 1700 m. Strong to stormy westerly to northwesterly winds prevailed at high altitudes during the night, slackening off somewhat the following day. Today it is raining up to about 2000m. We are anxiously waiting for the temperature to drop.

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 20 cm

Ø 2200m - 116 cm

Ø 2950m - 110 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are wind driven powder up high, changing to wet and rain crusted snow further down. The northern aspects are slightly better because it’s colder. More snow seems to have deposited on the lee side of the slope where it was more sheltered from the wind.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

For now it is wise to avoid traveling beyond the resort boundaries.

Forecast:

On Monday the snowfall level will descend to about 1100 m. At 2000m the midday temperature will be -2 degrees. Strong to stormy westerly to northwesterly winds will prevail at high altitudes.
New, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations are expected to form. The various layers of the snowpack are weakly bonded widespread.

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.

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.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch