Lower Tauern South

Caution: fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitudes

Caution: fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitudes

Avalanche danger below 2200m is LOW, above that altitude danger is MODERATE. Danger zones are found on NW/N/E facing slopes behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, in gullies and bowls. They are trigger sensitive on very steep slopes, releases can reach medium size. Danger zones are easy to spot though they can be blanketed by a bit of fresh snow. Due to solar radiation, small naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible in rocky terrain. The likelihood of slab avalanches triggered is increasing for a brief spell.

At high and high alpine altitudes there wsa 20-30 cm of fresh snow widespread, transported by often strong NW winds. Bonding of drifts to the loose base deteriorates with ascending altitude. Weak layers lie inside the fresh snow and drifts, bonding will improve as temperatures rise. Up to intermediate altitudes, bonding of fresh snow and drifts to the base is good.

Frequent sunshine, high clouds hamper only slightly, the summits are free and visibility is adequate. Winds will be light to moderate. At 2000 M: -9 to -1 degree; at 3000 m: -12 to -6 degrees.

As temperatures continue to rise, the danger of naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches will increase on Friday, the snowdrift problem will recede.