Gailtal Alps West

Naturally triggered avalanches possible

Since Wednesday above 2000m, about 15-20 cm of fresh snow has been registered, locally more. Above 1600m 20-40cm of fresh snow still expected. Winds will transport the fresh snow. Fresh snow and drifts are being deposited on shady slopes above 1800m atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface (soft layers). More deeply embedded inside the snowpack, esp. on shady slopes, there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) weak layers, esp. above 2000m.

On Saturday, snowfall level will ascend to 1000m and by afternoon to 1400m. In exposed terrain, strong S/SW winds (60 km/hr). At 2000m: +1 degree in afternoon; at 1000m: 3 degrees.

Naturally triggered dry-snow avalanches will gradually decrease as the snowfall ends. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night.

Naturally triggered avalanches possible

Fresh snow + moderate to strong southerly winds will generate further snowdrift accumulations, esp. on shady slopes bove 1800m in gullies, bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain, which can be easily triggered or trigger naturally. Isolated danger zones occur on sunny wind-protected slopes above 2000m. In addition, avalanches can be triggered in the near-surface layers by large additional loading, these can often sweep along the thoroughly wet snowpack. Caution urged at the foot of rock walls, behind protruberances, and in gullies and bowls. Activity of small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches will increase significantly. Runout zones should be circumvented. On very steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches are possible, also medium sized releases. Some transportation routes can be placed at risk.