Mürztal Alps

Generally low danger but caution urged towards isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches

Generally low danger but caution urged towards isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches

Avalanche danger is generally low, but pay close heed to small, naturally triggered wet-snow and glide-snow slides esp on south-facing slopes during the course of the day. Danger zones occur on very steep grass-covered slopes, hillsides and in forest clearances. Open glide cracks are indicators of danger, avoid zones below them. Beware falls on steep icy slopes!

Snow distribution is highly diverse. Whereas northwest-facing and wind-exposed slopes are often completely bare of snow, wind-loaded slopes and gullies are filled to the brim. The snowpack is compact and without marked weak layers. B elow 2000 m it is nearly isotherrm, almost zero degrees, and wet at ground level. The snowpack glides downhill over smooth ground. The surface below 2200 m is filled with rain seepage channels, highly unpleasant for skiers; at high altitudes it is frozen and capable of bearing loads.

On New Year’s Day clouds will slowly disperse and snow showers taper off. Colder than recently. At 2000 m: -5 degrees; at 1500 m. -1 degree. The W/NW winds will often be stormy, esp. in northern Upper Styria. On 2nd January an Atlantic front will bring lots of clouds during the night, esp. to northern Upper Styria. Moderate westerly winds will bring slightly higher temperatures, still just as cold south of the Alps.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.