Kreuzeck Group

Dangerous avalanche situation at high altitudes due to fresh snowfall and winds

Dangerous avalanche situation at high altitudes due to fresh snowfall and winds

Avalanche danger lies in the upper zone of Danger Level 3, “considerable.” Avalanches can be triggered widespread by one sole skier and in isolated cases grow to large size. Remote triggerings are possible, esp. on shady wind-protected slopes in zones where snowfall has been heavy. Particularly treacherous are the bottom of rock walls. As a result of solar radiation, increasingly frequent, mostly small-sized loose-snow avalanches can be expected. In addition, in the major areas of precipitation, mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible. Winter sports should limit themselves to secured zones.

Above 1800m, 50-60cm of snow was registered, locally more. During the night above 1000m, 10-20 cm of snowfall is still expected. The strong-velocity winds have intensively transported the snow. In the uppermost part of the snowpack, particularly on shady wind-protected slopes, there are soft weak layers. Shady, wind-protected zones above 2400m: lots of fresh snowfall and drifts are being deposited atop unfavorable old snowpack surfaces. Shady slopes where the snow is shallow above 1800m: fresh snow and drifts are being deposited atop a weak old snowpack. Sunny slopes above 2400m: fresh snow and drifts are being deposited atop crusts. Extremely steep grass-covered slopes below 2400m: weather conditions are generally increasing the dange rof glide-snow avalanches. Shady slopes below 1800m: the fresh snow lies deposited atop a thoroughly wet old snowpack.

On Wednesday the summits will often be in the clear, sunshine will prevail, with only light cloud cover and good visibility. A moderate southerly wind will be blowing, windspeeds reaching 40 km(hr. At 1000m: +5 degrees at midday; at 2000m, -3 degrees; at 3000m: -10 degrees. Source: GeoSphere Austria

Naturally triggered slab avalanches will decrease when the intensive snowfall comes to an end