Lower Tauern South

Heightened danger of wet-snow avalanche activity in afternoon

Heightened danger of wet-snow avalanche activity in afternoon

Avalanche danger is MODERATE. Following a night of cloudy skies the snowpack is quite weak already in early morning. Naturally triggered avalanches are then possible later in the morning, esp. on very steep (>35°) slopes in all aspects below 2600 m. During the course of the day, likelihood of triggering increases. Particularly on shady slopes below 2400 m, naturally triggered avalanches can be expected in the afternoon due to rainfall water seepage. Avalanches can sweep along the entire wet snowpack in their plummet path and grow to large size. Caution urged where such risks prevail. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

The snowpack on E/S/W facing slopes is thoroughly wet and, depending on aspect, even wet down to the ground and zero-degree isotherm. Also on shady slopes the snowpack was moistened up to high altitudes on Monday due to warmth and diffuse radiation. In the mostly cloudy nigt the snowpack cannot radiate its warmth outwards. During the dayime it softens further and forfeits its firmness. Free water on grassy slope ground enhances the gliding of the snowpack. On shady slopes at high altitudes the upper part has isolated weak and trigger-sensitive layers; layers more deeply embedded inside the snowpack are currently unlikely to trigger. Below the treeline there is little snow on the ground, above the treeline the snow depths are below average.

Early Friday morning a small chance of sunshine, but dense clouds will soon move in. As of midday, NW clouds will accumulate, the Northern Alps could have some rain showers or thunderstorms (hefty). In the Tauern and Nockberge it is expected to remain dry for longer, but rainfall will arrive in the afternoon in any case, snowfall level at 2400 m, descending later in the day. The NW winds will be moderate in the Northern Alps, later intensifying. At 2000 m, 4-7 degrees; at 3000 m: -1 degree.

Gradually descending temperatures on Friday night. Danger of wet-snow avalanches will recede.