Lower Tauern Central

Consequently avoid fresh snowdrift accumulations

Consequently avoid fresh snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger above 1700 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is low. Danger zones from fresh snowdrifts occur esp. on steep N/W facing slopes and should be consequently avoided. In some places, a slab avalanche can be triggered by 1 person and grow to medium size. Older danger zones occur esp. in steep ridgeline terrain; these areas are covered and impossible to recognize. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists. Where snow is deep enough, they can reach medium size. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

The most recent snowfall is slightly bonded due to minor wind impact and breaks in hardened patches but does not tend towards fracture propagation, according to reports, even though there are soft layers of large crystals in the masses of fresh fallen snow. Intensifying SE winds on Tuesday will transport the snow; fresh drifts will be deposited on a loose base and be prone to triggering. The old snowpack is largely stable but the weight of fresh snow reinforces the tendency of the entire snowpack to glide downhill over smooth ground.

Following a night of clear and windless skies, visibility on Tuesday will be mostly good, frequent sunshine is expected, only stray fogbanks (more in Lungau). Moderate SE wind (40 km/hr). At 2000 m: -7 degrees in the north, -10 degrees in Lungau; at 3000 m: -12 degrees. Sunny weather will continue on Wednesday, the SE winds will slacken off, temperatures rise slightly.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.