Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Weakly bonded old snow represents the main danger.

Avalanches can be released in the old snowpack and reach large size. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2000 m and in all aspects at elevated altitudes. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Whumpfing sounds can indicate the danger. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. In their paths avalanches can entrain the wet snow. This extends the avalanche runout distances. Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be severely restricted. Individual small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized wet avalanches are possible below approximately 2200 m.

Shady slopes: Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. The surface of the snowpack will only just freeze. The weather conditions gave rise to thorough wetting of the snowpack below approximately 2200 m.

Weakly bonded old snow requires caution. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches as before. Slight increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.