Pongau Grass Mountains

Fresh snowdrifts: beware

Fresh snowdrifts: beware

Avalanche danger is moderate. Main problem: snowdrifts. Above 2000 m the fresh snowdrifts esp. on N/S facing slopes are prone to treiggering. Avalanches in many places can be triggered by 1 person and reach medium size. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, often unrecognizable due to poor visibility. Below 2200 m the gliding snow activity will persist. Danger zones occur in all aspects. Glide-snow avalanches can release on steep grassy slopes and smooth rocky ground at any time of day and reach medium size. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

Through the intensifying winds, the fresh snow can be transported. Above 2000 m, a melt-freeze crust will form. Soft layers below it will become weak layers. Since the snowpack is thoroughly wet at low/intermediate altitudes the entire snowpack can glide over smooth ground if the gradient is steep enough.

Friday will bring some heavy cloud cover with snowfall, tapering off later on. All in all, from Thursday evening until Friday evening up to 15 cm of fresh snow is anticipated. Visibility initially poor, improving as of midday. Clouds could disperse. Winds below the treeline will be light to moderate from W/NW, above the treeline brisker, esp. in ridgeline terrain. Temperatures will drop slightly. At 2000 m: -9 or -8 degrees.

No significant change is expected.