Pongau Grass Mountains

Heed snowdrifts above timberline

Fresh snowdrift accumulations will continually be formed. On Saturday, strong W/N winds will intensify this process, particularly in eastern aspects.

Heed snowdrifts above timberline

Avalanche danger depends on wind influence. Above the treeline: MODERATE. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated on leeward steep slopes in NW/E/S aspects and in steep gullies. Danger zones rapidly become more frequent with ascending altitude above the treeline. Triggering is especially possible by large additional loading (a group, a fall), and in transitions from shallow to deep snow a triggering is possible even by the weight of one sole person. Small-to-medium sized slab avalanches are possible.

Higher temperatures on Wednesday, following by dropping temperatures, will bring about a settling of the snowpack and consolidation of the uppermost layers. On Thusday, another 10-20 cm of cold, fresh snow was deposited on this amid increasingly intense wind impact. Bonding to the snow base is predominantly favourable. The old snowpack is relatively compact, in the classic December backcountry touring regions there are no pronounced or relevant weak layers evident. A potential old snow problem exists on north-facing slopes above 2200 m.

On Friday, frequent sunshine and good visibility. In the afternoon, high-altitude clouds will move in from the west, creating diffuse light conditions. Southerly foehn winds will intensify during the daytime, reaching the summits, ridges and plateaus, blowing at 50 km/hr. Temperature at 2000 m: -6 degrees; at 3000 m: -12 degrees. On Saturday, the peaks will often be shrouded in cloud, visibility will be reduced by snowfall (about 10 cm). Strong NW winds will be blowing. Temperature at 2000 m: -9 degrees; at 3000 m: -15 degrees.