Lower Tauern South

Reduced visibility, freshly generated snowdrifts

Reduced visibility, freshly generated snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above the treeline is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW Avalanche prone locations from freshly generated snowdrifts are found in wind-loaded steep zones (gullies, steep bowls, forest clearances, etc.) and in general behind steep protruberances in NW/E/S aspecdts. Frequency and spread of avalanche prone locations tend to increase during the course of the day (within Danger Level 2). At latest in the afternoon, slab avalanche triggerings will be possible even by minimum additional loading (small-to-medium sized avalanches).

Following a sunny a relatively mild Wednesday with only little wind, the wind-loaded spots have gained firmness. The surfaces are often wind-struck (hardened melt-freeze surfaces, windblown knolls alternated with wind-pressed powder), in wind-protected zones there is still 5-15 cm of loose snow deposited atop a hardened surface. Inside the old snow are faceted crystals beneath and between hardened melt-freeze crusts, esp. W/N/E. On this base amid increasing wind impact from W/NW, the fresh snow will fall. Potential fracture surfaces for slab avalanches: faceted old snow and blanketed loose fresh snow.

On Thursday, widespread snowfall (light-to-moderate), heavier in the afternoon from the north. By evening in the Northern Alps, 10-20 cm, less in the Tauern, is expected. Clouds will be heavy, visibility reduced. Winds will intensify, reaching storm strength by afternoon at latest, from west to northwest. Temperature at 2000 m: -10 degrees; at 3000 m: -18 degrees. On Friday, poor visibility due to heavy cloud cover, some heavy snowfall in the Northern Alps is expected, less in the Tauern. winds will be strong to stormy, strongest in the Nockberge, from the northwest. At 2000 m: -14 degrees; at 3000 m: -20 degrees. On Saturday, strong and persistent snowfall due to a warm front from the north.

Danger zones becoming more numerous due to fresh snow and winds, as temperatures drop on Friday. On Saturday, a delicate avalanche situation due to heavy snowfall and rising temperatures.