Lower Tauern South

Favorable. Few danger zones in transitions where the snow is shallow

Favorable. Few danger zones in transitions where the snow is shallow

Avalanche danger is LOW. Only in very few places can large addtional loading trigger a slab avalanche, most likely in transitions where snow is shallow, into deeper snow, in shady and extremely steep terrain. Then, avalanches can grow to medium size. Most avalanche prone locations occur in W/N/E aspects distant from ridgelines and in steep gullies. In high alpine regions (above 2600m) these rare avalanche prone locations (shallow-snow transitions in very steep terrain) cannot be ruled out on E/S facing slopes as well. Naturally triggered avalanches: extremely isolated small glide-snow avalanches can release. In the afternoon, small moist slides are possible, superficially, both types on extremely steep slopes.

On shady slopes there is old powder (2 weeks old, faceted, atop surface hoar) atop a compact old snowpack. Foehn winds over the last 24 hours have transported next to no snow. Small snowdrift patches are possible. On sunny slopes the melt-freeze crust in some aspects and gradients (S/SW, 1500-2000m) can bear loads, then softens up during the daytime (the upper 5-10 cm softens). Hidden inside the old snow are soft layers of expansively metamorphosed (faceted) crystals, but are unlikely to trigger except in isolated cases.

Sunday will be brilliantly sunny, outstanding visibility, low air moisture, less wind (30 km/hr from the south at high altitudes). At 2000 m: -2 degrees. Monday will bring some cloudbanks, otherwise good backcountry touring weather. Light winds. At 2000 m: -1 degree.

No significant change is expected.