Lower Tauern Central

Weak layers in persistent weak layers remain prone to triggering

Weak layers in persistent weak layers remain prone to triggering

The avalanche risk is moderate above around 2000 metres and low below that. Slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in some places, especially from west to north to east. Avalanches can tear through the persistent weak layer and become medium sized. Some avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route. In particular, be careful near transitions from little to more snow and in the snow-covered entrance areas to steep gullies. On sunny slopes, small loose snow avalanches can spontaneously detach from very steep slopes during the daytime changes.

The snow surface is at least moist up to around 1500 metres, and even higher on sunny slopes. The snow surface can cool down overnight and is crusted can form and hardness in the morning. A bound snow slab of former new or drift snow overlays soft layers (e.g. surface hoar, faceted crystals) or older, hard wind slabs. In general, areas with little snow alternate with considerable snowdrift accumulations. Breaks occur either in soft layers near the surface or near the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. Below this crust, the old snowpack consists of deep rime and angular forms, which are interspersed with further crusts in areas with more snow. The overall snow depth is well below average.

The sky will often be clear during the night, with occasional mid-level clouds moving through from the south. On Monday, the sun will mostly shine on the mountains and the high fog will clear during the morning. At 2000 metres it will be -4 to -1 degrees Celsius, at 3000 metres around -9 degrees Celsius.

The persistent weak layer problem remains.