Seetaler Alps

Considerable avalanche danger due to fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Considerable avalanche danger due to fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above the timberline is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Fresh snow and stormy NW winds have generated wide-ranging snowdrift accumulations in all aspects during the last few days. On Thursday they will increase in size and spread. The drifted masses lie near to and distant from ridgelines, in steep gullies and bowls, near the edge of the treeline and in sparsely wooded zones. Weak layers in the fresh snow and drifts can be triggered by one person and grow to dangerously large size. Poor visibility makes assessment on-site very difficult. Also, there are isolated weak layers inside the snowpack which can be triggered due to the weight of the fresh snow and drifts - large sized avalanches can be the result. As the snowfall level rises, small naturally triggered wet slides are possible in forest zones.

In the last 24 hours there has been 10-20 cm of fresh snow registered widespread, more will come on Thursday night which will be transported by NW winds and deposewt neew drifts on south and east-facing slopes atop loose fresh snow or bonded drifts. Weak layer occur inside the fresh snow and at the borders to the snowpack. As the snowfall level rises and daytime warming is felt, the snowpack below 1000-1200 will moisten and forfeit firmness.

A strong NW air current is bringing stormy winds and some snowfall. Snowfall will start on Thursday morning, persist until evening and be heavy in the afternoon (snowfall level 800-1000 m, rainfall lower down). Up to 20 cm of fresh snow is possible, amid strong NW winds. At 2000 m: -4 degrees; the zero-degree level lies at 1400 m. On Saturday, light intermittent snowfall, stormy NW wind. Temperature at 2000 m: -12 degrees.

Stormy winds will still generate new drifts. No significant change in avalanche danger is expected.