Pongau Grass Mountains

Main problem: gliding snow

Main problem: gliding snow

Avalanche danger is moderate. Gliding snow activity persists up to summit levels. Danger zones occur in all aspects. Glide-snow avalanches can release at any time of day on steep grassy slopes and on smooth rocky ground, and reach medium size. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided. Above 2000 m, fresh snowdrift accumulations esp. on N/S facing slopes are prone to triggering. Avalanches in some places can be triggered by 1 person and reach medium size. Danger zones are often difficult to recognize due to poor visibility.

Despite dropping temperatures, the snowpack is moist up to 2000 m. Inside the snowpack, no weak layers are evident, the fresh snow is bonding well with the snowpack. On smooth ground (grass, rocks) when slopes are sufficiently steep, the entire snowpack can glide downhill. Through the intensifying winds, Wednesday’s fresh snow can be transported. Above 2000 m, a melt-freeze crust will form. Soft layers below it will become weak layers.

Thursday will be highly instable, heavy cloud cover will domiante, much reduced visibility, repeated snow showers. Snowfall level will drop to 800 m. All in all, up to 10 cm of fresh snow is expected on Thursday. Winds below the treeline will be light, above it quite brisk from the northwest. At 2000 m: -6 or -5 degrees.

The gliding snow problem will gradually recede. The snowdrift problem will persist.