Lower Tauern South

Isolated danger zones in old snowpack

Isolated danger zones in old snowpack

Avalanche danger is moderate above 2500 m, low below that altitude. In the few danger zones, weak layers in the uppermost part of the snowpack above 2500 m can be triggered by 1 person, esp. in transitions from shallow to deep snow and on steep sunny slopes. In isolated cases the releases can be large-sized. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches below 2600 m persists, larger sized avalanches are possible in high altitude starting zones.

The snow and snowdrifts from last week have settled lie atop faceted layers (from mid-January). Steep sunny slopes have formed a thin melt-freeze crust over this layer which has faceted crystals clinging to it. Where there is a thin crust the faceted crystals are large and constitute a weak layer in the old snow. Beneath the fresh snow and drifts from last week is a faceted layer clinging to a melt-freeze crust (formed in mid-January) near the surface, esp. on E/S/W facing slopes above 2300 m. Firn on south-facing slopes, on shady slopes wind crusts and loose powder can be found. Due to warmth of the ground and moistness of the snowpack, increased glide-snow activity can be expected.

Star-studded skies on Tuesday night, dry air. On Wednesday, sunny weather, good for backcountry tours, though with some high-altitude cloudbanks passing through (good visibility). Only in the Osterhorn range will there be more cloud cover. Winds light to moderate, in afternoon in high-alpine regions brisk westerly winds in the Northern Alps. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 3000 m: -5 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.