Ybbstaler Alpen

Wet snow problem at the bottom, wind slab problem at the top

Wet snow problem at the bottom, wind slab problem at the top

The avalanche danger is predominantly categorised as considerable. Due to some intense snowfall and wind, there will be additional wind slab avalanches in the higher elevations. The triggering of medium to rarely large slab avalanches is possible to likely on some steep slopes due to low additional loads. Due to the local old snow problem, the snowpack can tear through to deeper layers. Above the tree line, medium to sometimes large spontaneous slab avalanches are possible. Spontaneous wet snow avalanches are to be expected below the snowfall level due to heavy rainfall.

In the last 24 hours, up to 40 cm of new fallen snow, the largest amounts in the Ybbstal Alps, fell with strongly changing snowfall levels. Stormy winds led to extensive drifting. The connection between the drift snow layer and the old snowpack is often insufficient. Prone to triggering weak layers in the form of snow deposits of varying hardness also exist in the bound layer in places. At shady high altitudes, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. At medium altitudes, the snow is moist or wet. Warming and incoming radiation lead to soaking, decreasing firmness and destabilisation up to higher altitudes. The snowpack can start to glide snow on steep grass and forest slopes.

Low cloud and fog will persist on Tuesday night. Local patches of early morning fog in the valleys will gradually clear and the sun will shine from a bright blue sky on the mountains from the start. It will be very mild at high altitudes. The north-westerly wind will ease considerably compared to the last few days and will mostly be weak to moderate. Temperatures at 2000 metres will rise from -2 degrees to around +3 degrees, and from +3 degrees to +7 degrees at 1000 metres.

The avalanche situation remains tense.