Lower Tauern North

Loosely-packed fresh snow, ridgeline drifts

Loosely-packed fresh snow, ridgeline drifts

Avalanche danger is LOW nearly up to the treeline, CONSIDERABLE (due to wind impact) above 1900 m. Potential danger zones are focused on steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/SW aspects where in some places fresh drifts can trigger. With ascending altitude and wind, the frequency of danger zones increases. Even the weight of one single person is sufficient to set off a release. Small to (isolated) large releases possible. The drifted masses can be covered by quietly falling fresh snow.

Fresh snow (30-40 cm) loosely-packed and very cold, lies deposited on a relatively compact old snowpack which has next to no pronounced and relevant weak layers in the classic backcountry skiing regions. A potential old-snow problem in northern aspects at high altitude (above 2200 m in Hochkönig, Steinberge). Due to brief spells of wind impact, soft drifted masses are embedded towards the surface, deposited atop the cold, loose snow, easily triggered.

On Monday the peaks will often be veiled in cloud, minor snowfall is possible. In the afternoon the clouds will gradually begin to disperse, a bit of sunshine will make itself felt. As of 2000 m, an intermittently moderate strength NW wind will be blowing at 20-30 km/hr. At 1500 m: -3 degrees; at 2000 m: -10 degrees. On Tuesday, heavy cloud cover will move in, snowfall is anticipated (about 5 cm). Above the treeline, a W/NW wind will be blowing strongly enough to transport the snow. Ongoingly cold.

The somewhat stronger winds at high altitude will raise the danger of slab avalanches another notch.