Wölz Tauern South

Fresh snowdrifts being generated during the day

Fresh snowdrifts being generated during the day

Due to temperatures like in deep winter, avalanche danger levels are being preserved. Danger above the timberline in the regions Dachstein, Totes Gebirge, Niedere Tauern as far as Koralpe is considerable. Avalanche prone locations are found in east and north aspects. Good areas (unbonded cold powder) and treacherous areas (wind-loaded slopes) lie immediately adjacent to each other. Wherever snowdrifts were deposited, the likelihood of slabs triggering by minimum addtional loading is high. Breaking cornices and naturally triggered slabs are still possible.

On Monday night, surface hoar formed again, thus, the forecast fresh snow was deposited on top of a softened layer...and an additional potential weak layer was generated. The old snowpack itself is structured with a wide variety of layers due to rapid weather changes. Additional weak layers are evident inside the snowpack, which was not able to settle due to low temperatures.

In the morning extended sunny spells, in the afternoon cloud cover will move in from the southwest and cover the whole mountain region. As a result of brisk to strong-velocity SW winds the low temperatures will relent somewhat. At 2000 m at midday, -4 to -1 degree expected. Thursday: Snow showers and clouds will swiftly disperse, particularly in the southern and eastern mountain regions, intermittent sunshine will result. In the Northern Alps skies will remain overcast, accompanied by brisk NW winds, summits will be veiled in fog even in the afternoon, minor snow showers are anticipated. Temperatures will drop at all altitudes.

Caution: fresh snowdrifts on NORTH-FACING slopes.