Villach Alps

Weak layers in the old snow demand high caution

Weak layers in the old snow demand high caution

Weak layers in the old snow in all aspects can be triggered by one single skier and are expected to remain trigger-sensitive. Danger zones occur esp. in gullies and bowls and behind protruberances in the landscape above 1800m and at the foot of rocky cliffs. Whumpf noises and glide cracks when you step onto the snowpack are indicators of danger. Avalanches can grow to medium size. Magnitude and frequency of danger zones will tend to increase with ascending altitude. Risks of being forced to take a fall or being swept along require consideration.

The snowpack is expansively metamorphosed The older snowdrifts blanket a weak layer particularly on shady slopes above 1800m. The snowpack is highly diverse even over small areas. Only little snow on the ground from region to region below 1600m.

On Thursday, predominantly sunny weather. In exposed terrain, a moderate to strong easterly wind will be blowing. At 2000m: -6 degrees; at 3000m: -8 degrees. Later in the day, temperatures will start to rise. Source: GeoSource Austria

No significant change in avalanche danger levels is expected