Fischbach Alps West, Graz Highlands

MODERATE avalanche danger above the timberline due fresh snowdrift accumulations

MODERATE avalanche danger above the timberline due fresh snowdrift accumulations

MODERATE avalanche danger above the timberline, LOW below that altitude. Strong-to-stormy NW winds combined with snowfall are generating fresh snowdrift accumulations in gullies and bowls in all aspects near to and distant from ridgelines, also in sparsely wooded zones. Small-to-medium sized slab avalanches can be triggered even by one person. Danger zones are difficult to recognize due to poor visibility. Weak layers can be triggered in fresh snow and drifts but will remain small. Naturally triggered avalanche activity will recede as temperatures drop. On steep grassy slopes, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches continue to be possible.

In the last 24 hours there has been an additional 20 cm of fresh snow registered widespread, areas below 1000-1200m have been moistened and destabilized by intermittent rainfall. Only when temperatures drop during the day today will the wet-snow problem recede below 1200 m. On Saturday, not much fresh snow is anticipated but the snow from the last few days will be transported by gale-strength winds and far-reaching snowdrifts genearted. Weak layers occur inside the fresh snow and at the borders to the snowpack which are highly prone to triggering.

In the Niedere Tauern, heavy clouds will accumulate, but the greater part of the snowfall is over. In isolated cases on Saturday, snowfall is possible down to low lying areas but due to gale-strength winds only a small amount will be deposited and this will be intensively transported. Further south, dispersed clouds, hardly any precipitation. The NW winds will intensify, reach gale-strength even in low lying areas. Temperatures will drop. At 2000 m, from -6 to -13 degrees; at 1500 m from -3 to -8 degrees.

Storm-strength winds on Sunday: the avalanche danger levels will not change significantly.