Villach Alps

Significant rise in avalanche danger as snowfall intensifies

Significant rise in avalanche danger as snowfall intensifies

Due to fresh snowfall and strong-velocity SW winds, widespread snowdrift accumulations will be generated during the course of the day esp. in ridgeline terrain, in gullies and bowls. These can be easily triggered in all aspects, or else trigger naturally. Avalanches will be mostly medium-sized. We advise against winter sports in steep terrain.

Above 1800m, 50cm of fresh snow is anticipated, localy more. Shady slopes where the snow is shallow above 1800m: fresh snow and drifts will be deposited atop a weak old snowpack surface. Sunny slopes above 2200m: fresh snow and drifts will be deposited atop a crust. Extremely steep grass-covered slopes below 2000m: weather conditions are bringing about a generaly increase in danger of glide-snow avalanches.

On Tuesday, a low over Italy will bring heavy precipitation, snowfall level at 1400-1600m, as snowfall intensifies descending to 1000m. Towards evening and during the nighttime hours, the snowfall level will descend generally to 1000m, but the precipitation will then be nearly over. The SW winds will be strong-to-stormy, reaching windspeeds of 70 km/hr. At 1000m: +6 degrees; at 2000m: 0 degrees.

Naturally triggered slab avalanches will decrease when the intensive snowfall comes to an end