Ski alarm! Avalanche risk increases - caution on the slopes!

Ski alarm! Avalanche risk increases - caution on the slopes!

Current weather forecasts warn of an soon increasing avalanche risk in the Alps. The danger level is currently 2 (moderate) for most regions, but on Saturday, December 7, 2024, a further increase in the danger levels will be expected. Especially above the forest border, where fresh grooving snow accumulations can arise, winter sports enthusiasts should exercise the highest caution, as little loads can lead to slips. Cams and passengers as well as driven troughs and channels are particularly concerned, as Vol.at reported. On the other hand, the danger is classified as low (level 1) below the forest border, but here too there are risks in very steep terrain.

On Friday, Trübes and stormy weather with rain ensures difficult conditions to high altitudes of around 2000 meters. The temperatures drop at a height of 2,000 meters to -5 degrees and strong to stormy, the west wind blows. The fresh snow also falls on a mostly solidified old snow ceiling. The avalanche warning service therefore calls for being careful in risky areas and taking the current weather warnings seriously.

forest borders and climate change

to what extent climate change affects our forests, research in the Ural Mountains shows. Here the forest border shifts due to human influences and climate changes. Since the early 20th century, the forest border has hiked by about 50 meters. An examination that has been carried out since 2001 illuminates the effects on carbon storage and the nutrient ratios of the soils. Unfortunately, the project status is currently sisted because of the Ukraine conflict, as can be read on the WSL website.