Wölz Tauern South

Fresh snowdrifts, moderate avalanche danger

Fresh snowdrifts, moderate avalanche danger

In the Niedere Tauern, Dachstein region and Totes Gebirge, moderate avalanche danger prevails above 1900 m. Following problems require attentiveness: • snowdrift problem: over the last 48 hours there has been 30 cm of fresh snow, more locally. Icy-cold winds have transported the snow to east-facing and south-facing to west-facing slopes, and blanketed surface hoar. Near ridgelines and at entry points into gullies and bowls, a slab avalanche can be triggered even by one single winter sports enthusiast. • persistent weak layer: above 1900 m in northern aspects, esp. near ridgelines this problem prevails - is extremely difficult to assess.

Over the last 48 hours, 20-40 cm of fresh snow has been registered. The snowpack is shallow, the layering is unfavourable. Near ridgelines the snowdrift masses were deposited atop surface hoar (which formed on Thursday night). On north-facing slopes at high altitudes, weak faceted layers are evident in the layering. In wind-protected zones the snow is cold and flaky.

In the northern barrier cloud regions of Upper Styria, brisk cold NW winds can make heavy cloud accumulate, producing light, minor snow showers (with a few sunny intervals). Winds will be brisk from the north. Temperatures at 2000m will be cold: -12 degrees. On Tuesday, sunny weather is expected, with some light clouds later in the day from the west. The peaks will presumably remain free.

Danger levels are not expected to change significantly.