Karawanks West

Increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming.

Increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches are possible. In addition especially at the base of rock walls, individual small and medium-sized wet avalanches are possible. This applies in particular on very steep sunny slopes. The runout zones are to be treated with caution. Avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size on west, north and east facing slopes. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant in some cases, especially above approximately 1800 m on northwest, north and northeast facing slopes. In their paths avalanches can entrain the wet snow. This extends the avalanche runout distances.

30 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last few days. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be reduced. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to gradual and thorough wetting of the snowpack. This applies in particular on very steep sunny slopes. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes.

The activity of wet avalanches will gradually increase.