Kaiser Mountains - Waidring Alps

New snow represents the main danger.

New snow represents the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes storm force wind from northwesterly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed. In the last few days the wind slabs have increased in size appreciably. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in all aspects above the tree line. This also applies in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. As a consequence of the solar radiation, the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase. In some cases avalanches are large. The prevalence of avalanche prone locations and likelihood of triggering will increase with altitude. As a consequence of solar radiation loose snow avalanches are to be expected from the late morning, in particular on very steep slopes.

Over a wide area 30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. This applies in particular in the west and in the north as well as in the High Tauern. As a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed during the last few days. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly together. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate poor snowpack stability.

The danger of dry slab avalanches will persist. On Wednesday it will be very cloudy. The wind will be strong in some regions.