Karawanks West

Increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming.

Increase in danger of wet avalanches as a consequence of warming.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation small and medium-sized wet avalanches are to be expected. This applies especially on very steep sunny slopes, and at the base of rock walls. The runout zones are to be treated with caution. Additionally avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant in some cases, especially above approximately 1800 m on northwest, north and northeast facing slopes. In their paths avalanches can entrain the wet snow. This extends the avalanche runout distances.

Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be good at times. The weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to thorough wetting of the snowpack. This applies especially on very steep sunny slopes. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes.

As a consequence of warming and solar radiation, the activity of wet avalanches will appreciably increase.