Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Wet-snow problem in forefront. Isolated trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitude.

Wet-snow problem in forefront. Isolated trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitude.

Avalanche danger above 1500m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh snow from last week has further settled. Main danger: naturally triggered moist-to-wet avalanches in all aspects. Freshly generated snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering at high altitudes, can be triggered in extended E/S facing terrain, behind abrupt drops in the terrain, by winter sports enthusiasts. On steep grassy slopes, glide-snow slides can trigger naturally. Cornices are not stable.

The fresh snow has been able to settle. Due to diffuse radiation and higher tempertures the snowpack is moistening, or becoming thoroughly wet, losing its firmness. On steep grassy and forested slopes the snowpack can glide away. Fresh snowdrifts are trigger-sensitive only at high altitude; moreover, there are weak layers inside the snowpack near the border of fresh-to-old snow.

A high/low pressure front on Wednesday, together with a northerly air current will deliver colder moister air masses our way, thereby guaranteeing that instable conditions will continue. Heavy clouds and fog will reduce visibility. Around midday a cold front will reach the northern flank of the Alps from the northeast, bringing snowfall and lower temperatures (snowfall level dropping to 900m). Also on the southern flank of the Alps, some rain and snow showers - or graupel. Winds will be NW, moderate to brisk. At 2000 m: descending from -2 to -4 degrees; at 1500 m to just below zero.

On Thursday, cloud and fog will dominate in Niedere Tauern, Gurktal, Seetal Alps and Koralpe. Rising snowfall level in the morning, some precipitation. In the Northern Alps and the eastern rim ranges of the Alps, SE winds will disperse the clouds somewhat. As winds shift, fresh snowdrifts will accumulate in NW aspects. The wet-snow problem will persist.