Lower Tauern South

Gradually settling snowpack

Gradually settling snowpack

Avalanche danger due to the snowdrift problem is CONSIDERABLE above 2200m, below that altitude danger is MODERATE due to the wet-snow problem At high and high alpine altitudes, a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche can be triggered even by the weight of one sole person. Most critical: abrupt drops in the terrain near to and distant from ridgelines on N/E facing slopes as well as in gullies and bowls in all aspects. The snow, despite low temperatures, is relatively heavy, which means it is hardly possible to escape from a triggered avalanche. In isolated cases, a slab can trigger naturally. At intermediate altitudes the main danger is from small loose-snow or glide-snow avalanches which in isolated cases can trigger at high altitudes in case the sun shines for longer than expected.

Above intermediate altitudes there is 30-50 cm of fresh snow registered, more in the northern barrier cloud zones, much less in the Nockberge. Due to intense wind impact (W/NW) the distribution is highly varied. Bonding is generally good up to 2200m. Above that altitude the snowpack becomes increasingly unfavorable. Slabs can fracture in the fresh fallen snow, possibly even in the cap of the old snowpack

On Wednesday, the peaks will often be shrouded in clouds, visibility reduced, a bit of rainfall or snowfall in the morning is possible. The snowfall level will swiftly ascend to 1800m. Temperatures will rise noticeably. At 2000 m: from -5 to +1 degree in the evening. Winds will be brisk to strong from SW to NW.

Wet-snow avalanche activity will increase on Thursday, the zero-degree level will rise to over 2500m and rainfall is possible up to very high altitudes.