Lower Tauern South

Loose-snow activity due to solar radiation

Loose-snow activity due to solar radiation

Avalanche danger is MODERATE. Due to solar radiation and diffuse light, natural releases (loose dry and loose moist) are to be expected in extremely steep terrain (>40°). Small releases by 1 person are possible. Fresh ridgeline snowdrifts can be triggered as a small slab even by 1 person. Danger zones occur on steep slopes (over 35°) on north facing slopes. Where snow is sufficient below 1800 m, small glide-snow avalanches can release naturally, esp. where recent snowfall fell on bare ground. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

Loose snow on the surface can lose bonding through solar radiation, but radiation also helps the snowpack to settle. Blanketed fresh snow or graupel can be a near-surface weak layer. As a result of solar radiation, bonding is generally good. Atop snowy steep rocks and grassy slopes the snowpack is wet at ground level and can glide away.

On Wednesday night, minor snowfall in the Northern Alps, later skies will clear from the northwest. On Thursday, scattered clouds, intermittent sunshine, some peaks can disappear in fog. Brisk westerly winds (up to 50 km/hr in Northern Alps) later slackening off. Occasional snow showers, not much snow will result. In afternoon, dry, clouds dispersing. At 2000 m: between -8 and -4 degreees; at 3000 m: -14 degrees.

Due to higher temperatures the snowpack will moisten, the wet-snow problem will increase.