Lower Tauern North

Increasing avalanche danger due to fresh snowfall and strong-velocity winds

Increasing avalanche danger due to fresh snowfall and strong-velocity winds

Increase of avalanche danger during the daytime. As of late afternoon, danger above 1800 m will be CONSIDERABLE. As a result of northerly winds, fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses will be generated. Danger zones in the morning are found on leeward slopes, esp. E/S ridgeline slopes above the treeline. Towards midday they will still be easy to recognize and should be avoided. In afternoon, the snowdrifts will increase in frequency and in size due to more fresh snowfall and strengthening winds. They will be generated in all aspects, also distant from ridgelines and at forest edges. Visibility will deteriorate, danger zones will become hard to spot. Medium sized avalanches can be triggered even by one sole skier.

As a result of NW winds on Monday, the loose snow will be transported, in the afternoon also the fresh fallen snow, and deposited on S/E ridgeline slopes. As winds intensify, also distant from ridgelines and deposited atop an unfavourable snowpack surface, then bond poorly with the snow beneath them. As of afternoon and during the night, 5-15 cm of fresh snow is expected, more in the Northern Alps.The middle part of the snowpack is generally quite compact and well consolidated.

On Monday, storm-strength NW winds, gust in the afternoon will reach 100 km/hr. Initially, visibility will be adequate, but heavy cloud and snow showers in the afternoon will worsen it. At 2000 m: -6 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees.

As a result of the cold front, snowfall by Tuesday morning, amid stormy winds: 10-15 cm, more from place to place. Winds will generate fresh, mostly small-sized snowdrift masses and remain prone to triggering.