Lower Tauern South

Fresh snowdrifts, old snow problem in some places

Fresh snowdrifts, old snow problem in some places

Restraint is the word of the day! Freshly generated snowdrifts are found starting at the treeline. As of 2000 m they are easily triggered. The impulse of one single person can trigger a medium or large-sized slab. Particularly sensitive: N/E/S aspects. The avalanche prone locations are easy to underestimate due to windblown terrain and generally rough ground surfaces in backcountry touring zones. Second danger: very steep grassy slopes, where medium-sized glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.

The temperature fluctuations - first cold, then warm, then cold again - are stabilizing the snowpack. Nevertheless, there are two relevant weak layers: (1) the last bout of fresh snowfall (15-30 cm) was deposited on cold powder snow by NW winds; (2) in the Tauern above 2200 m there is a fracturable layer beneath the melt freeze crust from mid-November (old snow problem) at least in extended northern aspects.

On Friday, snowfall with interims, heavy cloud cover and residual fog will also hinder visibility. As of midday the cloud cover will disperse somewhat, in afternoon it will turn sunny. In the morning, brisk winds (40-50 km/hr), slackening off in the afternoon. At 2000 m: -11 degrees, at 3000 m: -18 degrees. On Saturday, overcast skies, southerly foehn wind blowing at 40-50 km/hr. Most summits will be free. In the afternoon, light snowfall is possible.

Caution continues to be imperative! Snowdrift problem persists above 2000 m. Moderate gliding snow activity below 2000 m.