Mürzsteg Alps

Wet-snow problem, isolated snowdrift problem, low danger

Wet-snow problem, isolated snowdrift problem, low danger

Avalanche danger is low. Main danger: wet loose-snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain at high altitude in N/SE aspects in ridgeline terrain and gullies where fresh shallow snowdrifts have been generated and danger of falls outweighs that of being buried in snow. On steep slopes where the ground is smooth, isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible. Poor visibility makes recognizing danger zones more difficult.

Atop a mostly compact snowpack surface, 5-15 cm of fresh snow is expected to fall on Tuesday evening, more from place to place. Depending on wind impact, small fresh bonded snowdrift patches will be generated, their trigger-sensitivity dependent on the altitude. As a result of diffuse radiation and daytime warming, as well as rain seepage, the snow will become instable and can trigger naturally. The old snowpack is mostly compact and isotherm up to high altitudes.

Wednesday will be instable, gray skies in the Northern Alps and Niedere Tauern, intermittent rainfall or snowfall. Further south, intermittently sunny, some clouds and convective cloud build-up, as well as showers, also possible in the southern massifs. A brisk to strong NW wind will be blowing, the snowfall level will fluctuate around 1400 m. At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 1500 m: 0 to +4 degrees. On Thursday, some sunshine after clouds disperse. In the afternoon, convective cloud build-up will increase. Temperatures will be milder.

On Thursday, snowdrift problem will swiftly recede, wet-snow problem will come to the forefront. As a result of solar radiation, the potential of loose-snow avalanches will increase on steep slopes.