Lower Tauern South

Avalanche prone locations in wind slab, in the higher altitudes also in persistent weak layers

Avalanche prone locations in wind slab, in the higher altitudes also in persistent weak layers

The avalanche risk is moderate from the sparse high forest upwards. The last wind slab can be triggered in some places with little additional load, slab avalanches can reach medium size. All aspects and both adjacent to ridgelines and steep terrain far from ridgelines are affected. At high altitudes (especially on western, northern and eastern slopes), avalanches can also break through into the persistent weak layer and occasionally become large if the additional load is high. Poor visibility makes it difficult to recognise avalanche prone locations. At low and medium altitudes, individual gliding avalanches are also possible.

The new fallen snow (widespread 40 to 60 cm, occasionally around 80 cm) that fell under stormy conditions from the west to north in the middle of the week has settled significantly and has already been slightly moistened on steep sunny slopes up to over 2000 metres. In exposed areas, the snowpack is marked by the storm. Fractures are possible, especially in the fresh wind slab, but also in the old snowpack, in which faceted crystals (some on crusts) and deep rime are weakening the structure both near the surface and deeper inside. This mainly affects high altitudes on shady slopes (W-N-E) and high alpine locations.

The clouds will thicken during the night, but it will remain mostly dry. On Sunday, visibility will often be limited by clouds. It will snow lightly at times, with showers becoming more frequent during the daytime changes (mainly in the northern Alps). Brisk to strong winds from west to north, peaking at around 60 km/h at exposed high altitudes. Temperatures at 2000 m around -7 degrees, at 3000 m around -12 degrees.

Poor visibility on Monday and snow showers again during the daytime changes. Little change for the time being.