Lower Tauern Central

High prone to triggering in wind slab, also naturally triggered avalanches

High prone to triggering in wind slab, also naturally triggered avalanches

The avalanche risk is high above the tree line (4) and considerable below - a dangerous situation. Naturally triggered avalanches are possible and in many places slab avalanches can be triggered very easily (even from a distance) by individuals. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 2000 metres, avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to deeper layers and become large. Danger areas are not easy to recognise everywhere, which is why caution and a very defensive choice of route is advised, which also takes into account catchment areas that cannot be seen. At low and medium altitudes, spontaneous wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches are possible.

In addition to the already heavy snowfall since the weekend, heavy new fallen snow has been added in a short time and under the influence of new winds. It overlays the older wind slab snow of the previous days, which in turn lies on an unfavourable base of faceted crystals and deep frost. In wind-protected areas, on shady slopes above about 2000 m, on sunny slopes above 2400 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Breaks occur primarily between the last snow packs, but can subsequently penetrate through to the coarse-grained old snow foundation. Current reports of large-scale whamming noises, among other things, confirm the unfavourable snow layering. At low and medium altitudes, heat and rainfall put additional strain on the snowpack.

Saturday afternoon and evening it will snow persistently and heavily with a snowfall level of around 1200 metres, with 15 to 30 cm of new fallen snow. The wind is still blowing strongly from the west to north-west at times. The precipitation will ease quickly after midnight. In the morning, the sun will come through temporarily before the clouds close in again. It will be milder at all altitudes: At 2000 metres -3 to +1 degrees, at 3000 metres -7 to -4 degrees.

Further precipitation with a snowfall level around 1600 m on Monday. The situation remains precarious at the start of the week!