Villach Alps

Caution: persistent weak layer

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.

Caution: persistent weak layer

The older snowdrifts from the last few days now blanket a weak old snowpack surface above 1800m on W/N/SE facing slopes: easily triggered by one single skier. Gullies and bowls are unfavorable, since hard layers lie deposited atop weakly consolidated old snow. These danger zones occur rather seldom, and are easily recognized by practiced backcountry winter sports enthusiasts. Avalanches are usually small-sized. Apart from the risk of being buried in snow masses, you also need to take the dangers of being swept along and forced to take a fall into consideration.

Snowdrift accumulations cover a weak old snowpack surface on shady slopes above 1800m. The old snowpack is weak, with faceted crystals. Solar radiation and higher temperatures led to a gradual softening of the snowpack during the course of the day, particularly on sunny slopes below 2700m. These weather conditions reinforce a stabilizing of the snowdrift accumulations.

Friday will have cloudless skies in the mountains with outstanding visibility. The NE winds will hardly be noticeable. Further rising temperatures at all altitudes. At 3000m at midday: -1 degree; at 2000m: +4 degrees.