Kreuzeck Group

Beware snowdrifts

Beware snowdrifts

Due to fresh snow and moderate-velocity southerly winds, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated esp. in ridgeline terrain, in gullies and bowls, esp. above 2400m. Avalanches can be triggered by persons in the uppermost layers. In addition, isolated avalanches can fracture down to deeper layers of the snowpack and then grow to medium size. In starting zones which have not yet discharged, mostly small wet loose snow avalanches are possible, and can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Caution urged in extremely steep slopes below 2000m. In addition, in the major areas of precipitation, isolated mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Since Monday above 2000m, 5-10 cm of fresh snowfall has been registered, locally more. Widespread 10-15 cm of fresh snow is anticipated during the nocturnal hours. Winds will transport the fresh snow and some of the old snow. Fresh snow and drifts will be deposited on shady slopes above 2000m atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface. In the lowermost part of the snowpack on shady slopes, faceted weak layers are evident.

On Thursday, cloudy and variable weather conditions will continue, initially a few light showers with snowfall level at 900-1300m, which will then rapidly ascend to over 1400m. As evening approaches, tendency towards showers will increase. Winds in high-alpine terrain will be strong to stormy from the southwest, gusts reaching 80 km/hr. At 2000M: -1 degree. Source: GeoSphere Austria

Increasing avalanche danger