Lower Tauern South

Danger zones esp. in high altitude terrain

Danger zones esp. in high altitude terrain

Avalanche danger abovfe 2200m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Trigger points for slab avalanches exiset in high alpine regions on very steep, also distant from ridgelines where the fresh snowdrifts in NW/N/SE facing steep terrain and gullies can release, sometimes by minimum additional loading. In case of solar radiation, naturally triggered small superficial loose-snow avalanches are possible in extremely steep terrain. Below 2400m, isolated small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches cannot be ruled out.

After a mild Thursday with rainfall up to 2800 m, temperatures have incrementally dropped, the snowfall level also descended amid intermittent rainfall and snowfall. Strong springtime sun settled the fresh snow and generated crusts. W/NW winds (in the Tauern also southerly foehn wind) transported the snow. Atop this base at high altitudes there is 10-15 cm of fresh cold snowfall which was compressed by northerly winds or transported on Monday. Bonding of fresh snow deteriorates with ascending altitude. Potential fracture points for slab avalanches exist in the melt-freeze crusts of the old snowpack and in the loose snow which blankets them.

On Monday, visibility will improve, intermittent sunshine during the daytime. Persistent fog in the Northern Alps, as well as minor snowfall. Northerly winds at 30-50 km/hr. At 1500m: -5 degrees; at 2000 m: -9 degrees.

No significant change expected. On sun-drenched steep slopes the latest fresh fallen snow can release naturally as small loose-snow avalanches.