Lower Tauern Central

Rapid increase in naturally triggered wet-snow/glide-snow activity during daytime

Rapid increase in naturally triggered wet-snow/glide-snow activity during daytime

Avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. Due to higher temperatures and solar radiation on Saturday, naturally triggered wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches are expected, mostly medium sized, also larger. Avalanche activity will swiftly increase, esp. on S/E facing slopes, in late morning, then spread to all aspects over the course of the day. Esp. in rocky terrain with little snow isolated wet-snow slab avalanches are also possible, these can plummet down to ground where there is no snow on the ground. Backcountry tours should pay close heed to the march of time during the day, and its results.

A melt-freeze crust forms at night which then softens during the morning. The timing and extent of moisture is decided by altitude, aspect and steepness gradient. On very steep slopes in E/S aspects the snowpack begins to moisten. On south-facing slopes in high alpine regions, on E/W facing slopes below 3000 m, on north-facing slopes below 2600 m the snowpack is becoming thoroughly wet for the first time, and thereby weakening. The stable old snowpack is causing most releases to be glide-snow avalanches and loose wet-snow avalanches. Wet slab avalanches are more likely where there is little snow and in rocky terrain. Due to the loss of firmness of the snowpack, the glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches can sweep lots of wet snow along in their plummet path, reach zones where there is no snow on the ground.

A few clouds will pass through at night, somewhat reducing the outgoing radiation of the snowpack. On Monday, too warm at all altitudes, mostly sunny, possible penetration of Sahara dust. Southerly foehn wind will intensify, reaching the Northern Alps. At 2000 m: 12-15 degrees; at 3000m: 5-7 degrees.

High wet-snow/gliding snow activity will persist.