Pongau Grass Mountains

Weak old snowpack with low snow cover

Weak old snowpack with low snow cover

The avalanche risk is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by low additional loads and can be small to medium in size. At higher altitudes, older wind slabs are still prone to triggering and avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to the ground. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated in north-west to north to east-facing steep terrain. They increase rapidly in size and frequency with altitude, especially next to blown-off areas. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. In the afternoon, there is a low risk of spontaneous loose snow avalanches in the southern sector. Terrain traps are less full due to lack of snow and therefore more effective.

The local snow surface varies greatly. There are areas with little snow next to considerable snowdrift accumulations. A melt-freeze crust usually forms overnight, which softens up to summit level on the sunny slopes during the daytime changes. In addition, fresh wind slab snow begins to build up and is partially slightly soaked on the surface with sunlight. Where an old snowpack is present, there are faceted crystals on and under the crust at the transition to it, which can serve as a reactive weak layer. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur here. Deeper in the old snowpack there is a sequence of faceted crystals, crusts and deep rime. The total snow depth is well below average.

During the night, the sky will remain clear and the air relatively dry. The wind will be mostly light to moderate. On Thursday, the consistently sunny weather will continue with dry and cold air. The wind will be mostly light to moderate. At 2000 metres the temperature will be -4 to 0 degrees, at 3000 metres around -7 degrees.

No significant change in avalanche danger.